Auburn solidified its place atop the SEC with a commanding 94-85 victory over Alabama in a highly anticipated No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup at Coleman Coliseum. With the win, the Tigers improved to 23-2 overall and 11-1 in conference play, while Alabama fell to 21-4 and 10-2 in the SEC. The two rivals are set to meet again in three weeks at Neville Arena, but for now, Auburn reigns supreme.
First-Half Dominance Sets the Tone
The game was effectively won in the first half, where Auburn’s defensive pressure and efficient offense built a lead that Alabama was never able to overcome. The Tigers executed Bruce Pearl’s game plan to perfection, particularly in frustrating Alabama’s perimeter shooters. The Crimson Tide, a team that thrives on three-pointers, were held to just 5-of-26 shooting from beyond the arc (19%).
Denver Jones was a defensive force, making life difficult for Alabama’s leading scorer Mark Sears. Despite finishing with 18 points, Sears shot just 4-of-17 from the field, with many of his points coming from free throws. Auburn’s ability to dictate the pace of the game was crucial in keeping Alabama from ever fully gaining momentum.
Johni Broome Leads the Charge
Johni Broome once again proved why he’s in the conversation for National Player of the Year. The Auburn big man dominated the paint, posting 19 points, 14 rebounds, and six assists. His presence was felt early, draining two three-pointers to silence the Alabama crowd. Despite playing through a nagging ankle injury and struggling from the free-throw line, Broome delivered yet another signature performance.
Denver Jones: The Two-Way Star
While Broome anchored the interior, Denver Jones was arguably the player of the game. The senior guard contributed 16 points while locking down Alabama’s best scorers. His defensive intensity set the tone, and his offensive contributions—getting to the rim, knocking down mid-range shots, and keeping the Tide off balance—were critical in Auburn’s victory.
Chad Baker-Mazara Steps Up
Another key contributor was Chad Baker-Mazara, who had one of his best performances in weeks. The versatile forward came off the bench to score 15 points on 4-of-7 shooting, including 2-of-3 from three-point range. He also contributed five rebounds and played tenacious defense. After battling injuries in recent games, his resurgence was a major boost for Auburn.
Second-Half Battle and Bama’s Late Push
The second half saw Alabama attempt to claw back into the game. Both teams scored 52 points after halftime, but Auburn’s composure ensured that Alabama never took the lead. Even when the Tide tied the game at 65-65 with around eight minutes to play, Auburn responded with key baskets and defensive stops. Bruce Pearl was seen rallying his team during timeouts, reminding them to maintain their defensive energy. His message clearly resonated, as Auburn’s rotations tightened up in the final minutes, preventing Alabama from getting clean looks from deep.
Statement Victory and What’s Next
This win not only strengthens Auburn’s grip on the SEC regular-season title but also adds another Quad 1 victory to its already impressive resume. With Alabama facing a brutal stretch of ranked opponents in the coming weeks, Auburn has a clear path to securing the top spot in the conference.
The Tigers must now shift their focus to Arkansas before the crucial rematch with Alabama at home. If Auburn can replicate its defensive intensity and balanced scoring, a season sweep of the Crimson Tide is well within reach.
Coach Bruce Pearl’s Perspective
Auburn’s head coach, Bruce Pearl, emphasized the team’s strategic approach and execution. He highlighted the importance of defensive pressure and efficient offense in building an early lead that Alabama couldn’t overcome. Pearl also praised Johni Broome’s performance, noting his dominance in the paint and his ability to stretch the floor with timely three-pointers. He commended the team’s composure during Alabama’s second-half push, attributing their success to disciplined play and adherence to the game plan.
Coach Nate Oats’ Reflections
Alabama’s head coach, Nate Oats, acknowledged the challenges posed by Auburn’s defense. He pointed out the team’s struggles with perimeter shooting, citing the 19% success rate from beyond the arc as a significant factor in the loss. Oats also discussed the difficulties in containing Auburn’s key players, particularly Johni Broome and Denver Jones, whose performances were pivotal in the game’s outcome.
Final Thoughts
This game was a testament to Auburn’s depth, discipline, and championship pedigree. Every player contributed in some way, from Chaney Johnson’s quiet 14 points to Chris Moore’s defensive hustle off the bench. Auburn controlled the tempo, frustrated Alabama’s offense, and delivered one of the program’s most impressive wins in recent history.
