There’ll be plenty of intrigue around the college basketball world on Saturday, but the SEC is really delivering with another rivalry clash. Meeting for the second time this season are Alabama and Auburn, two programs in different positions who could both really use a victory in this important showdown.
No matter how you realistically slice it, Auburn (16-14) has not looked like an NCAA Tournament team recently. The Tigers won just a single game in the month of February and after this week’s victory over LSU are just 7-10 in the SEC standings. While the offense continues to make plays, Auburn’s defense has been disastrous at times and it hasn’t exactly been the first year that Steven Pearl envisioned.
Until very recently, it had been the opposite story for Alabama (22-8), who have been one of the hottest teams in the SEC. The Crimson Tide had run off eight straight wins before a tough road loss to Georgia just a few days ago. That impressive stretch included winning at Auburn and a ton of other resume-building performances, with Nate Oats’ team looking to get back on track before the SEC Tournament begins next week.
Auburn vs. Alabama: When and Where
Date:Â Saturday, March 7, 2026, 8:30 pm ET
Location:Â Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Auburn vs. Alabama: Where to Watch or Stream
Watch: ESPN
Streaming: FuboTV
Auburn vs. Alabama: Betting Odds
Spread: Alabama -8.5, Auburn +8.5
Moneyline:Â Alabama -319, Auburn +310
Total: 176.5
Auburn vs. Alabama: Series History
All-time series:Â Alabama leads 104-69
Last meeting:Â Alabama 96, Auburn 92 (February 7, 2026)
Projected Starting Lineups
Auburn Tigers
Keyshawn Hall (20.6 ppg, 6.9 rpg)
Tahaad Pettiford (15.1 ppg, 3.6 apg)
Kevin Overton (12.9 ppg, 3.2 rpg)
KeShawn Murphy (10.7 ppg, 6.9 rpg)
Elyjah Freeman (9.4 ppg, 4.8 rpg)
Alabama Crimson Tide
Labaron Philon Jr. (21.5 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 4.8 apg)
Aden Holloway (16.6 ppg, 4.0 apg)
Aiden Sherrell (11.0 ppg, 6.1 rpg)
Amari Allen (11.7 ppg, 7.1 rpg)
Latrell Wrightsell (13.5 ppg, 2.9 rpg)
The score in this first matchup was 96 to 92 and it’s fair to expect even more offensive fireworks. Never of these teams are exactly known for their defense while both play at a pretty brisk pace. With Philon healthy and back in the lineup, it wouldn’t be shocking to see the Crimson Tide in full force, having hit 100 points in three of their last four home games. The Tigers simply have to find some way to limit fast breaks and open shots because Alabama will eat you alive if you allow their offense to get into rhythm. It’s an uphill battle for Auburn to avoid a sweep in a game they desperately need to secure their place in the NCAA Tournament.
Can Auburn’s offense keep up and produce just enough to get a significant season-ending victory? Will the Crimson Tide reclaim their momentum, finish this season sweep, and ride into the postseason with significant expectations?