By Scott McInnerney
WNSP Reporter
MOBILE, AL – The Alabama-Auburn rivalry has heated up in basketball this week, as the two teams face off Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m.
Former Alabama head coach Wimp Sanderson joined WNSP on the Opening Kickoff this morning and shared his thoughts on the game.
“I personally think that Alabama and Auburn have separated themselves from the other 12 teams,” said Sanderson. “They’re playing better. They are better.
“Alabama is very skilled, and I don’t say this based on my past. I just think that. And Auburn is very skilled too. Bruce has done a nice job with this team.”
Auburn is leading the SEC, while Alabama is three games behind in third place. Alabama and Auburn played this season on Jan. 17, and the Crimson Tide upset Auburn 76-71 in Tuscaloosa.
“I think Alabama’s got a chance to win tonight,” Sanderson said. “It’s going to come down to who doesn’t turn the ball over, who rebounds offensively and defensively, and gets out with, not only the three-ball, but the layups, the fast breaks. They don’t count for as many points, but you’ve got to have those in order to win.”
Auburn has two players who are injured: center Anfernee McLemore, who underwent season-ending surgery Saturday, and leading scorer Bryce Brown, who hurt his foot.
“It’ll be a tough game for both teams,” said Sanderson. “For Alabama, they’re playing at Auburn, so they’re going in and playing the way they want to play. For Auburn, it will be tougher because two players are injured.”
Both teams are looking to bounce back from road losses on Saturday. Alabama lost to Kentucky 81-71, and Auburn was upset by South Carolina 85-74.
“The inconsistent play happens to everybody,” Sanderson said. “It should be a good basketball game.”
For more, you can listen to the full interview below and listen to the Opening Kickoff weekday mornings from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. on WNSP.
