Starting Five: Alabama-Auburn clash leads college basketball weekend games to watch

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By now, casual sports fans and die-hard college hoops junkies alike should be fully engaged with March Madness now just a few weeks away. We’re back once again to help you plan your weekend of viewing by picking the five games in men’s college basketball we think will be most worthy of your attention.

Those who have peeked ahead at the calendar will undoubtedly anticipate most of our offerings, but if you have not done so hopefully we can save you a little time. Of course your interest may vary based upon your own rooting preferences, but here is our Starting Five for the weekend after the Super Bowl with college basketball taking the stage.

No. 2 Auburn at No. 1 Alabama

Time/TV: Saturday, 4 p.m. ET, ESPN

It’s not at all a stretch to state that this is the most significant meeting in basketball in the history of these schools best known for their rivalry on the gridiron. On the other hand, it’s only round one, as they’re slated to meet again in three weeks at Auburn and possibly a time or two after that in the postseason. Both teams handled their midweek business leading up to this showdown, as the Tigers prevailed at Vanderbilt and the Crimson Tide hit the century mark for the fourth time in SEC play at Texas. Alabama’s high-scoring, fast-paced approach means no lead is safe for its opponent, but it also means protecting its own lead can be an issue. That figures to be the case against Auburn, whose defensive tenacity often results in lengthy scoring droughts. Pesky Tigers guard Chad Baker-Mazara will likely be assigned to shadow top Alabama perimeter threat Mark Sears, while the Tide’s Grant Nelson will be tasked with keeping Auburn big man Johni Broome from dominating the glass.

MAJOR MOMENT: Alabama, Auburn meet in rare No. 1 vs. No. 2 clash

BRACKETOLOGY: Michigan surges in NCAA tournament projection

No. 6 Houston at No. 13 Arizona

Time/TV: Saturday, 2 p.m. ET, ESPN

First place will also be on the line in the Big 12. That remains the case despite Arizona on…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/starting-five-alabama-auburn-clash-110858382.html

Author : USA TODAY Sports

Publish date : 2025-02-14 11:08:00

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