Alabama Falls Short In Highly Anticipated Top-2 Matchup With Auburn

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The Auburn Tigers (23-2, 11-1 SEC) controlled things pretty much from the opening tip, defeating Alabama 94-85 in the most highly anticipated regular season basketball game in state history.

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The matchup also marked the first time two Southeastern Conference schools were ranked in the top two stops when they faced off in the regular season.

Auburn started out on a 10-0 run to begin the game, with standout Johni Broome getting hot early and scoring 12 points in a first half that saw some signs of life from Alabama on its home court but closed with the Crimson Tide down 42-33.

Broome led all scores with 19 points in the win for Auburn.

Alabama tried to claw back in the second half and event tied the game around the midway point.

However, a lack of consistency saw the Tide unable to grab a single lead in the close game.

Senior Mark Sears led the way in the scoring column for Alabama, shooting 4-17 from the field for 18 points, with 8 of those coming at the free thrown line.

Grant Nelson logged the only double-double of the game for the Crimson Tide, scoring 12 and picking up 12 total rebounds.

Clifford Omoruyi came just up just short of a double-double, with 12 rebounds and 8 points.

Freshman Labaron Philon also finished in double figures with 10 points, along with Auburn transfer Aden Holloway added 10.

In terms of team stats, Alabama went 27-70 from the floor (36.8%) and 5-26 from three-point range (19%).

The Crimson Tide (21-4, 10-2 SEC) will return to action on Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 8 p.m on the road at Missouri.

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