In a historic Southeastern Conference showdown, the No. 1 Auburn Tigers (23-2, 11-1) secured a 94-85 victory over the No. 2 Alabama Crimson Tide (21-4, 10-2) at Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa on February 15, 2025. This marked the first-ever SEC matchup featuring the top two teams in the Associated Press rankings and only sixth in-state one-two matchup in any state in NCAA D1 AP poll history.
Auburn’s Johni Broome delivered an outstanding performance, leading all players with 19 points, 14 rebounds, and six assists. Broome’s early contributions, including two three-pointers, propelled the Tigers to a 9-0 start within the first three minutes. He continued to impact the game defensively with two blocks and a steal.
The Tigers showcased balanced scoring, with five additional players reaching double figures. Denver Jones contributed 16 points, while Miles Kelly and Chad Baker-Mazara each added 15. Chaney Johnson and Tahaad Pettiford chipped in 14 and 13 points, respectively. Auburn’s proficiency from beyond the arc was evident, as they connected on 12 of 30 three-point attempts, establishing an early double-digit lead.
Alabama’s offense was spearheaded by Mark Sears, who tallied 18 points, and Grant Nelson, who recorded a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds. Despite the Crimson Tide’s efforts, they struggled from three-point range, converting only 5 of 26 attempts. Auburn’s defensive pressure limited Alabama to 38.6% shooting from the field.
The Crimson Tide mounted a significant comeback in the second half. Trailing by 14 points with 13:43 remaining, Alabama orchestrated a 10-0 run, narrowing the deficit to three. Nelson’s emphatic dunk eventually tied the game at 65 with 7:49 left. However, Auburn responded promptly, with Baker-Mazara’s timely three-pointer igniting a surge that restored their lead.
A pivotal moment occurred when Broome, despite re-aggravating a left ankle injury, executed a crucial block on Sears, preserving Auburn’s advantage. He later secured the win with a decisive basket, extending the Tigers’ lead to 10 points with just over a minute remaining. Auburn maintained their composure, converting free throws in the final moments to seal the victory.
Postgame, Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl expressed pride in his team’s balanced performance, stating, “I’m happy because we had such balance. I’m happy for the kids from Alabama. This rivalry matters in the state.”
Alabama head coach Nate Oats acknowledged the intensity of the rivalry and the challenge posed by Auburn, noting, “Auburn’s our rival. They’re number one. They’ve been the number one team in the country for a long time this year. They’re very good.”
This victory grants Auburn sole possession of first place in the SEC standings, enhancing their prospects for a top seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. The Tigers’ ability to execute under pressure and maintain offensive efficiency underscores their status as a formidable contender.
Oats noted that Alabama can still reach its goals despite the tough loss to Auburn, “We’re not in full control of our own destiny to win the league outright, but we’re under full control of our own destiny to at least get a tie for the league moving forward.”
Looking ahead, Auburn plays at home its next three games and will host the Arkansas razorbacks on Wednesday, February 19, at Neville Arena. Meanwhile, also on Wednesday, Alabama will travel to face the Missouri Tigers in Columbia, Missouri at 8pm CT on the SEC Network.