Tuscaloosa, Ala. – The highly anticipated matchup between No. 1 Auburn and No. 2 Alabama will take place on Saturday in Tuscaloosa, with the winner set to determine the best team in America. This is the first-ever conference meeting between the top two teams in college basketball, with the SEC primed to break the record for most conference bids.
Auburn’s Johni Broome and Alabama’s Mark Sears are leading their respective teams. The Tigers’ dominant force has led a balanced squad that ranks No. 1 in adjusted offensive efficiency. Meanwhile, the Tide play at the fastest pace in America, launching 3-pointers almost half the time they have the ball.
The intense rivalry between the two schools is fueled by their recent successes and a shift in status within the SEC. Both coaches, Bruce Pearl and Nate Oats, have turned their programs into appealing hubs for transfers and elite recruits, producing nine first-round picks in the NBA draft since 2018.
“This is a big game,” said Alabama forward Grant Nelson. “It’s what we’ve been working towards all season.” Auburn coach Bruce Pearl echoed similar sentiments, stating that the matchup will be a test for both teams. The winner will likely earn an easier path to San Antonio and the national championship.
For fans of both schools, bragging rights are always the main prize in this rivalry. However, the outcome of Saturday’s game could have long-lasting implications for the programs’ national profiles. “It’s Alabama, Auburn – we don’t want to be on the losing side,” said Trevor Releford, a former Alabama point guard who experienced the intense rivalry firsthand.
The winner will have its heart broken 24 hours after Valentine’s Day, as is often the case in this rivalry. The highly anticipated matchup promises to be an exciting test of skill and determination for both teams.
Source: https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/page/CBBblockbuster02142025/alabama-auburn-no-1-no-2-teams-biggest-game-rivalry-history