TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — In a thrilling encounter between top college basketball teams, No. 1 Auburn secured a 94-85 victory over second-ranked Alabama on Saturday. Johni Broome was a standout for Auburn, finishing the game with 19 points and 14 rebounds, while five other players also contributed significantly by scoring in double figures.
Mark Sears led the charge for Alabama with 18 points, and Grant Nelson recorded a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds. The Crimson Tide mounted a determined comeback in the second half, overcoming a significant deficit, but ultimately fell short of completing the rally.
Auburn had impressive scoring from several players, including Denver Jones with 16 points, Chad Baker-Mazara and Miles Kelly each contributing 15 points, while Chaney Johnson added 14 and Tahaad Pettiford pitched in 13. For Alabama, Labaron Philon and Aden Holloway also registered 10 points each.
Notable moments in the game included Auburn’s starter Dylan Cardwell, who struggled with foul trouble and played only 12 minutes. Baker-Mazara, another crucial player off the bench, also fouled out in the closing minutes of the contest. Johnson stepped up to fill the void, playing an extended 33 minutes compared to his usual 23.
Alabama’s defense faced challenges as they allowed Auburn to shoot 46% from the field, marking a notable stat as it was the first time a team shot over 40% at home against Alabama during conference play this season.
A pivotal moment occurred just before Baker-Mazara fouled out when he scored consecutive baskets that helped Auburn seize the lead for good with just under six minutes remaining in the game.
Another significant statistic highlighted Alabama’s struggles beyond the arc; they had entered the season with a 34.4% shooting percentage from 3-point range but could only convert 5 of their 26 attempts, finishing the game at a dismal 19.3%.
Looking ahead, Auburn will host Arkansas for their next game on Wednesday evening, while Alabama is set to face No. 21 Missouri the same night.
