#1 vs #2

Auburn comes into Coleman Coliseum and defeats Alabama 94-85 in the first ever SEC 1 vs 2 matchup. Lets break it all down.

Whenever you have the chance to see the number 1 team in the country take on the number 2 team you must watch. This game is a rarity and it did not disappoint tonight. Auburn proved they are the #1 team in the country and acted like the #1 team in the nation.

How about Bruce Pearl? His second 1 vs 2 win!

Johni Broome is an absolute problem. He is seriously unguardable. 19 points, 14 rebounds, and 6 assists in the ball game. The depth of Auburn is what really stood out tonight. They just get contributions across the board and just have difference makers up and down the roster. Tahaad Pettiford, Chaney Johnson, and Chad Baker-Mazara were outstanding off the bench combining for 42 points. Another key for Auburn was defending the 3-point line. Holding Bama to just 19.2% from 3. Auburn just continues to take care of business no matter the location or team.

For Alabama they can get very complacent with guard play. They need to establish Grant Nelson as a go to big much like Auburn has done with Broome. This would open the game up so much more for the guards. Alabama easily has the best guards in the country, but without the inside threat the spacing is very limited for the guards to utilize their one on one talent.

The game was back and forth to start, but Auburn from the start felt in control. It was a game of runs in the second half. Auburn extended the lead to double digits multiple times, but that was always met with an Alabama run. The issue for Alabama was containing the dribble penetration. Pettiford found himself getting downhill at ease. The Auburn defense was another story. I am hopeful that we will see this game at least twice more and hopefully a third.

Box Score

Auburn ~ 30-65 (12-30) (22-32), 40 Rebounds, and 13 Assists

• Broome – 19 points (7-16), 14 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 blocks
• Jones – 16 points
• Kelly – 15 Points
• Baker-Mazara – 15 Points

Alabama ~ 27-70 (5-26) (26-35), 50 Rebounds, and 8 Assists

• Sears – 18 points (2-11 from 3)
• Nelson – 12 Points and 12 Rebounds
• Holloway – 10 Points
• Philon – 10 Points