TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — A historic showdown on Saturday saw the No. 1 Auburn Tigers take down the No. 2 Alabama Crimson Tide with a final score of 94-85, making it the first-ever SEC basketball game featuring the top two ranked teams.
From the onset, it was clear the stakes were astronomical. Two of college basketball’s premier teams, already deep-seeded rivals, faced off in front of thousands at Coleman Coliseum, where the atmosphere crackled with anticipation. Auburn, coming off multiple strong performances this season, surged to the forefront, asserting control from the opening whistle.
The Tigers started hot, deploying precise three-point shooting, and racing to a 9-0 lead early on. Johni Broome, who finished with a game-high 19 points, also led with 14 rebounds, proving unstoppable both defensively and offensively. His explosive performance, combined with six other Tigers scoring in double figures, showcased Auburn's depth and skill on the court.
“We came out with energy and focused on executing our game plan,” said Broome after the match, highlighting the teamwork and discipline the Tigers exhibited throughout.
While Alabama, under coach Nate Oats, fought hard, the Crimson Tide struggled significantly with their shooting accuracy. They managed only 20% from three-point range, hitting just five of 26 attempts. Mark Sears, Alabama’s leading scorer, netted 18 points but shot poorly, missing 13 of his 17 attempts overall. This shooting inconsistency became increasingly impactful as the game progressed.
“Auburn played solid defense, and we couldn’t find our rhythm,” Sears lamented. “We could have done much more offensively.”
The first half concluded with Auburn leading 42-33, marking the first time Alabama had trailed at halftime all season. The Tigers’ command of the game not only set the tone but also pressured the Crimson Tide to play from behind.
The second half was marked by tense exchanges as Alabama attempted to claw back. Each time they gained momentum, Auburn responded with timely baskets, including multiple three-pointers from Denver Jones, who contributed 16 points.
Though Alabama managed to tie the game, first at 68, it was primarily the Tigers’ defense and clutch shooting beyond the arc — 12 three-pointers for the game at 40% accuracy — which sealed the deal.
Throughout the intensity of the second half, Alabama’s crowd remained relentless, hoping to will their team back to the lead. Yet, another three by Auburn sent shocks through the stands, extending their lead. With less than two minutes on the clock, Auburn’s dominance was clear; they led 90-81.
Alabama’s resilience showed as they rallied back, led by Labaron Philon and Grant Nelson, who had double-double stats with 12 points and 12 rebounds. Despite several impressive runs, including one notable stretch where Alabama had cut the Auburn lead to as few as three points, there was never enough steam to overcome the deficit.
With approximately 30 seconds left, Alabama was down 90-83 and had to rely on fouls, but Auburn held on to their lead effectively, wrapping up the game with solid free-throw shooting to prevail 94-85.
“This win really matters for us on multiple levels,” said Coach Bruce Pearl, expressing the magnitude of this victory not just for rankings but for pride within the rivalry. “It shows what we are capable of as we head toward the postseason.”
Following the game, Auburn fans flooded Toomer's Corner, celebrating the significant win and marking the moment as one for the history books. For Auburn (23-2, 11-1 SEC), this victory not only reinforced their position at No. 1 but also edged them closer to securing the coveted top seed for the SEC tournament as discussions turn toward March Madness.
Looking to the future, both teams are set to meet again, promising another exciting chapter in this storied rivalry when they clash once more on March 8.
Overall, this monumental clash shines the spotlight on both programs, underscoring the competitiveness and excitement of college basketball. With both teams vying for supremacy, the path forward for the Crimson Tide will surely involve reflection and adjustment, as Auburn embraces the momentum of their recent triumph.