TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — In the most anticipated college basketball game ever played in Alabama, No. 1 Auburn secured a massive win over No. 2 Alabama. The Tigers never trailed on Saturday afternoon, making their first shot of the game en route to a 94-85 win over the Crimson Tide.
Auburn (23-2, 11-1) now has sole possession of first place in the SEC and is in a strong position to win the league’s regular-season title. Alabama (21-4, 10-2) is still in the mix but has some work to do to catch Auburn in the final weeks of the season.
These two teams will meet again on March 8 at Auburn in the regular-season finale.
Here are three takeaways from Saturday’s mega matchup:
Auburn made a definitive statement on a national stage
Auburn raced out to a 9-0 lead to set the tone. The catalyst for the Tigers, as has been the case most of the season, was senior forward Johni Broome, who started the game with three straight made shots. The National Player of the Year candidate finished with game-highs of 19 points, 14 rebounds and six assists.
The most impressive part of Auburn’s win was its ability to stave off Alabama runs before the raucous crowd at Coleman Coliseum. The Tigers maintained a healthy lead most of the game though Alabama was able to tie it up twice, at 65-65 and 68-68, with just under eight minutes to play. Saturday’s result also highlighted Auburn’s depth — the Tigers had six players finish in double-digits, doubling Alabama’s three players.
Another positive sign: Forward Chad Baker-Mazara battled through injury with a strong performance, contributing 15 points and five rebounds before fouling out late.
Auburn adds to the nation’s best resume’ by far, in control for all but a fleeting moment at Alabama. Six Tigers between 13 and 19 points, led by Johni Broome’s 19, 14 and 6 — plus the key block late of Mark Sears. Absolute wagon.
— Joe Rexrode (@joerexrode) February 15, 2025
Shooting dooms Alabama
Alabama entered Saturday as the highest-scoring offense in the country, averaging 90.5 points per game, but was held to 85 points — tied for its sixth-lowest output of the season.
The first half was particularly tough on the offensive end. Alabama shot just 31 percent from the field, 13 percent from 3 and 69 percent from the free throw line — all well below the team’s season numbers. The Tide’s top two scorers — seniors Mark Sears and Grant Nelson — combined to shoot just 4-of-15 in the first half. As a result, Alabama’s offense was largely stagnant. The Crimson Tide average 17 assists per game but recorded only two in the first half and eight for the game.
The second half was closer to what fans have been accustomed to: 47-33-81 shooting splits that helped the Tide battle back from the double-digit deficit. But Alabama was never able to get over the hump and take the lead.
Auburn bolsters already strong resume
The NCAA Tournament selection committee released its top 16 seeds on Saturday. Auburn, the No. 1 overall seed, was one of three No. 1 seeds from the SEC, joining Alabama and Florida. Saturday’s win bolsters Auburn’s case as the definitive No. 1 team in the country as well as giving the Tigers bragging rights as the winner of the biggest Iron Bowl on the hardwood ever played. Alabama is still in solid position to earn a No. 1 seed.
Auburn improves to 11-1 in league play with Saturday’s win, one game ahead of Alabama (10-2) and two games ahead Texas A&M (9-3) and Florida (8-3, hosting South Carolina on Saturday night) with six games remaining. Four of Auburn’s six remaining games are against ranked opponents — and that’s a more favorable slate than what Alabama will face. The Crimson Tide will end the season with six straight ranked opponents, including a closing stretch with games against No. 5 Tennessee (road), No. 3 Florida (home) and No. 1 Auburn (road).
Auburn is attempting to win its second regular-season title in the last four years.
(Photo of Tahaad Pettiford: Will McLelland / Imagn Images)
