Not solely did Auburn earn bragging rights in its win within the first recreation between SEC groups ranked No. 1 and No. 2 within the Related Press ballot, it additionally confirmed why it could be too good for the projected NCAA Match subject to catch.
No. 1 Auburn (23-2, 11-1 in SEC) defeated No. 2 Alabama (21-4, 10-2 in SEC), 94-85, eradicating any doubt about its place atop faculty basketball’s 2024-25 hierarchy.
The Tigers gained because of a stout first-half defensive effort, which restricted the Tide to 33 factors earlier than halftime.
Whereas Alabama managed 52 factors within the second half, Auburn’s perimeter protection held agency, holding the Tide to a season-low 19.2 p.c from three-point vary (5-of-26). Alabama shot 38.6 p.c general, its worst since a 36.7 p.c effort towards Houston on Nov. 26.
Per KenPom, the Tigers entered first in SEC convention video games in opponent three-point share (28.8 p.c), whereas Alabama was second in three-point success rate (38.4 p.c).
Auburn gained the battle of energy versus energy. With a 14th Quad 1 win on its resume, it is more and more tougher to check one other workforce overpowering the Tigers in March and early April.
The Tigers have a large number of scoring threats along with their staunch protection. Six Auburn gamers scored double figures towards Alabama, together with three off the bench.
Beginning ahead Johni Broome added to his Participant of the Yr candidacy with one other double-double, his 15th of the season. He completed with 19 factors and 14 rebounds whereas including a team-high six assists, two blocks and a steal.
Auburn has been on a mission this season after a humbling first-round loss to Yale because the four-seed within the 2024 NCAA Match. The Tigers have not superior previous the primary weekend of March Insanity since reaching the primary Remaining 4 in program historical past in 2019.
That ought to change this yr. Auburn is the clear finest workforce within the nation, and it is confirmed so all season. Now, it simply wants to stay to the touchdown.
