Alabama Defeats Auburn in Epic IBOB Matchup

January 25, 2024 Michael Brauner Alabama, Alabama, Auburn, Auburn, Featured News, SEC
Alabama Guard Rylan Griffen (3) shoots a three against Auburn at Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa, AL on Wednesday, Jan 24, 2024.

Alabama and Auburn rarely disappoint when they face off on the basketball court, and Wednesday night at Coleman Coliseum was no exception.

The Tide outlasted the Tigers 79-75 in a second-half slugfest that ended in Alabama’s biggest win so far this season.

Nate Oats’ group got started off hot, shooting 8 for 17 from the three-point line in the first half which helped to build up a 14-point lead for the Tide at the break after Auburn went on a 17-6 run to begin the game.

But Auburn would not go away quietly, going on a 9-0 run to start the second half and eventually able to grab a 58-57 lead. Mark Sears quickly responded to the Auburn rally with an and-one to give Alabama back the lead, a lead they would not relinquish for the rest of the night:

Grant Nelson had far from his best game so far in an Alabama uniform, but he did have his biggest moment with a put back slam to put Alabama up by five with less than a minute remaining.

Mark Sears led the Tide in scoring with 22 points, while Rylan Griffen put up 17 off the bench, Nelson put up 14, and Latrell Wrightsell Jr. had 14 of his own.

Johni Broome was marvelous for Auburn with a 25 point double-double in which he had 14 rebounds and five blocks.

With the win, Alabama has temporarily taken over first place in the SEC, tied in records with Auburn at 5-1 with a 4-1 Tennessee to take the court in Nashville against Vanderbilt on Saturday.

Alabama will take on LSU at home on Saturday night, while Auburn will hit the road to take on Mississippi State on Saturday afternoon.

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