When Alabama and Auburn faced off a month ago, it was the SEC’s first-ever No. 1 vs No. 2 matchup. The game lived up to the hype, as Alabama came back from a double-digit deficit to take the lead in the second half. However, Auburn made key plays late to hold on for the 94-85 win. Six players were in double figures for the Tigers, led by 19 points and 14 rebounds from Johni Broome.
Since then, Alabama has lost a few games to fall out of the regular season title race, but at 12-5, they still have clinched at least a double-bye in next week’s SEC Tournament. Auburn will not only be the 1 seed in that same event but they probably have locked up a 1 seed for the NCAA Tournament a couple of weeks from now. But coming off a road loss at Texas A&M, the Tigers are looking to avoid a losing skid entering the postseason.
How to watch Alabama vs Auburn
Date: Saturday, March 8th
Time: 2:30 p.m. ET
Venue: Neville Arena
How to Watch (TV): ESPN
Streaming: fubo TV (link: https://www.fubo.tv/welcome/leagues/191260?irad=367782&irmp=374356)
Alabama record: 23-7
Auburn record: 27-3
Alabama vs. Auburn odds, spread and total
Odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook (link: https://sportsbook.fanduel.com/ )
Moneyline
Alabama +270
Auburn -345
Spread
Alabama +8.5 (-115)
Auburn -8.5 (-105)
Total
178.5 (over -105/under -115)
Alabama injury report
Derrion Reid, F: Out (leg)
Auburn injury report
Denver Jones, F: Probable (ankle)
H2: Auburn and Alabama series history
Alabama all-time record vs. Auburn: 102-69
Alabama vs. Auburn prediction
What the first matchup taught us is that this will be a highly entertaining matchup. Alabama will have to do a better job on Broome, who dominated the game from start to finish. They also need a better shooting game from star guard Mark Sears, who had 18 points but needed 17 shots to get there.
With six players scoring 13+ points and Broome dominating, it still was a surprise that they didn’t blow Alabama out. Maybe with the game at their place, another strong effort will give them a decisive win. After that loss to Texas A&M, look for this team to be fully focused to get the season sweep over their rivals.
Prediction: Auburn 87, Alabama 75