Auburn (22-2) at Alabama (21-3)
- When: Feb 15 2025, 4:00 PM
- Where: Coleman Coliseum, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
- Where to watch: ESPN
Game Preview
Saturday’s showdown between No. 1 Auburn and No. 2 Alabama isn’t just the biggest SEC matchup of the season—it could be the best game in all of college basketball this year. This is the first No. 1 vs. No. 2 regular-season showdown in over three years and the first time in history that two SEC teams have met under these rankings. With both squads running two of the most explosive offenses in the country, this game has all the makings of an instant classic.
Alabama Crimson Tide: Can They Take Down No. 1?
(21-3, 10-1 SEC, 7-game win streak)
Head coach Nate Oats has built a powerhouse offense, and Alabama is currently the highest-scoring team in the nation at 90.5 points per game. The Tide have five players averaging double figures, with Mark Sears leading the way (17.8 PPG). The sophomore Jarin Stevenson erupted for a career-high 22 points in Tuesday’s 103-80 dismantling of Texas, proving that Alabama has a deep scoring arsenal.
Alabama doesn’t just score—they do it efficiently. Their offensive rating (127.2 points per 100 possessions) ranks second in the nation, right behind Auburn. They shoot the three at a high volume and excel at getting to the free-throw line, which could be crucial in what’s expected to be a high-scoring battle.
However, Alabama has yet to prove they can beat a team like Auburn. They’ve racked up wins in conference play, but their defensive weaknesses (allowing 77.3 PPG) could be exposed against a Tigers squad that is just as potent offensively.
Auburn Tigers: Can They Remain the Best Team in the Nation?
(22-2, 10-1 SEC, 7-1 in last 8 games)
Bruce Pearl’s squad is playing with championship confidence, and their 84.8 PPG ranks eighth in Division I. The Tigers are slightly more efficient than Alabama offensively, boasting the best KenPom offensive rating (131 per 100 possessions) in the country.
The offensive depth on this Auburn team is staggering. Johni Broome (18.1 PPG) leads a balanced attack with six players averaging double digits. Chaney Johnson (10.2 PPG) has been a spark off the bench, averaging 15.3 points over his last three games while shooting an absurd 76 percent from the field.
Auburn has been a dominant force on both ends, but their loss to Florida last Saturday raised some concerns. The Gators exposed Auburn’s perimeter defense, which could be a major issue against an Alabama team that thrives on three-point shooting.
Betting Prediction: Who Has the Edge?
This game is set up to be a high-scoring shootout, with both teams averaging well over 80 points per game. The total is high at 172.5, but it may not be high enough given the pace and efficiency of these two offenses.
Auburn has the better defensive numbers, but Alabama’s offensive firepower at home is hard to ignore. The Crimson Tide have also won seven straight games, and they’ll have the crowd behind them in one of the most anticipated regular-season games in SEC history.
The underdog has covered in four of the last six meetings between these teams, but Alabama’s ability to knock down threes and control the pace could be the deciding factor. Expect a back-and-forth battle, but the home-court edge and scoring depth give Alabama the slight advantage.
Bet: Alabama -1.5
Over 172.5 (both teams can score in the 80s with ease)
- NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
