Auburn vs. Alabama: College basketball game preview, TV schedule
Auburn and Alabama are known for having one of the best football rivalries. But now, the basketball teams are starting to make things interesting.
TV schedule: Wednesday, February 21, 8:30 p.m. ET. SEC Network
Arena: Auburn Arena in Auburn, Alabama
Auburn 23-4 (11-3) remains on top of the SEC basketball conference with two weeks to go. They have a solid lead in the standings, and could clinch the regular season title depending on how things go. But the Tigers have bigger plans when it comes to the NCAA Tournament.
In our latest edition of Bracketology, Auburn was given a two seed. They’ve set themselves up nicely to take advantage of any of the top teams falling. Now, it’s up to them to take care of business. That’ll be harder now with the season-ending injury of starting forward Anfernee McLemore. When you take into account the others who are ineligible to play, that makes it the third frontcourt player unable to play for Auburn this season.
That makes it easier for teams like Alabama 17-10 (8-6) who have physical players down low to take advantage. The Crimson Tide has split their last eight games, but the wins against Tennessee, Florida and Oklahoma have put them in solid position when it comes to an at-large bid. They’re looking to get back on the winning side, after losing by 10 points at Kentucky.
In the earlier meeting this season between these teams, Alabama was able to win on their home-court, 76-71. Star freshman Collin Sexton didn’t play in this one, but John Petty did. He had a career-high 27 points to lead all scorers, with Dazon Ingram adding 16 points on 10/13 shooting from the free throw line. From Auburn’s side, SEC Player of the Year candidate Bryce Brown had 12 points to lead the Tigers.
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There are times where some teams are just better matchups for others. That’s the case with the Crimson Tide, whose physical size and athleticism makes it hard for the smaller and more finesse Auburn to get their offense going.
Prediction: Auburn 74 – Alabama 80