Alabama vs. Auburn: Predictions and analysis
In the most anticipated matchup of the season, the Alabama men’s basketball team travels to Neville Arena to take on the No. 12-ranked Auburn Tigers.
Earlier in the season, the Crimson Tide fended off a valiant effort made by the Tigers to win 79-75.
Several weeks later, Alabama finds themselves in sole possession of first place in the SEC. Auburn finds themselves one game behind.
This game means a lot for both programs. Bragging rights. SEC regular season championship implications. It is safe to say that there is blood in the water between these two programs. The “Iron Bowl of basketball” has gotten more and more important to the two programs by the year.
On Wednesday night, the Crimson Tide will look to pick up their fourth straight win against the Tigers. As for the Tigers, they will look to snap a three-game losing streak against Alabama.
Auburn picked up a much-needed, road win against Ole Miss over the weekend. Bruce Pearl’s squad had to come from behind to secure the victory. The Tigers are led offensively by the likes of forwards Johni Broome and Jaylin Williams. The two seniors were the catalysts for the majority of Auburn’s success in the team’s previous matchup versus the Crimson Tide earlier this season.
Broome and Williams combined to score 32 points and grabbed 25 rebounds.
If Alabama can find a way to neutralize Auburn’s frontcourt, I like their chances of coming away with a win inside Neville Arena. If not, it could be a dog fight until the end.
With Alabama forward Nick Pringle returning from suspension, Alabama’s frontcourt receives a major boost. The biggest issue with Pringle is his inability to stay out of foul trouble. In the first meeting, Pringle had four fouls in 10 minutes of playing time.
The most important thing that I found was Alabama’s leading scorers a season ago against Auburn on the road were Rylan Griffen and Mark Sears. Both of which start for the Crimson Tide this season. With that being said, Alabama’s most prolific scorers have experience playing Auburn on the road and have proven to be able to sustain success.
I firmly believe that Alabama will prioritize being able to stop Broome from beating them. If that happens, I expect Jaylin Williams to have a big game. Alabama’s guards have continued to score at a high rate throughout SEC play. I do not see that stopping on Wednesday night. For this reason, I think Alabama will come away with a 82-74 win over Auburn.
Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow the latest regarding the Alabama basketball program.
