The Auburn Tigers faced the Alabama Crimson Tide at home in Neville Arena in what was Auburn head coach Steven Pearl's first Iron Bowl, Despite leading for much of the game, the orange and blue fell short 92-96.
Auburn came out strong and physical at the start of the game, and both teams contested each other at the three-point line early on. However, the Tigers were able to slow down Alabama’s offensive momentum for much of the early going. The defensive effort by Pearl's squad forced an early litany Alabama turnovers, which the Tigers were consistently able to capitalize on with points at the other end.
Auburn led 41-37 at the half, looking to carry that momentum into the third quarter. However, the second half was mainly controlled by Alabama. The Crimson Tide bench was highly effective, racking up 28 points and putting pressure on Auburn's depth. Former NBA G-League player Charles Bediako, who was ruled eligible to play in the game less than two days before tip put up 12 points off the bench despite relentless noise from The Jungle. Alabama was able to make a run around the 10-minute mark, allowing the Tide to keep any potential energy away from Auburn.
Late in the game, both teams’ point guards traded baskets, repeatedly cutting into each other’s leads. Tahaad Pettiford was able to get a couple of clean layups in the paint, but what helped finalize Alabama’s lead was a huge play from former Auburn guard Aden Holloway. The former Tiger was fouled on a 3-point play, turning it into a 4-point play with 2:31 remaining in the game. Holloway wasn't the only impactful Tide guard either, as Labaron Philon Jr. led the visitors with 25 points and 6 assists. Philon is a projected first round pick in the upcoming NBA draft, and he gave Auburn's defense fits all game.
“He's an unbelievable player," Pearl said. "He's going to be a first-round draft pick."
Pettiford led the Tigers in points with 25, delivering one of his best performances of the season in the loss. The sophomore also added 7 assists and just 2 turnovers. Keyshawn Hall was close behind on the scoresheet with 24 points of his own, though he did foul out late in the contest. Texas Tech transfer Kevin Overton added 17 points for Auburn, including four made threes. KeShawn Murphy was the final Tigers in double figures with 13 points to go along with his 12 rebounds.
The majority of the Auburn’s points came in the paint, with 48 out of the Tigers' 92 points coming near the basket. The Auburn offense was solid all night long, but the defense struggled to contain Alabama's high-powered attack.
"[The loss] had nothing to do with our offense and everything to do with our defense,” Pearl said.
This victory marked Alabama’s second consecutive win at Neville Arena, as well as the third consecutive time that the road team has won the Iron Bowl of Basketball in the regular season. The loss dropped Auburn to 14-9 overall and 5-5 in SEC play. The Tigers will face another SEC opponent at home in the Vanderbilt Commodores on Tuesday, Feb. 10. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT.
