Auburn’s run followed Alabama (21-4, 10-2 SEC) getting the score to 35-33, but being unable to affect the scoring column any further. The visitors used the cushion to race to a double-digit advantage in the second half’s early going, leading 55-41 with 15:45 to play.

The Tigers have a national player of the year candidate in center Johni Broome, but Alabama counters with an All-American guard in Mark Sears and four others who average double figures. With always-animated Auburn coach Bruce Pearl squaring off against one of the sport's new coaching superstars in Nate Oats in what should be a wild environment,