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When it’s all going right for Alabama and Mark Sears is splashing shots and Grant Nelson is getting under people’s skin and Nate Oats is shuffling in waves of explosive athletes and rim protectors off a bench that goes 10 deep, there is no scarier team in college basketball.
They’re a team that could, maybe even should, win a national championship.
When Alabama is good, they’re really that good.
But here’s the problem for the Crimson Tide: As of today, Auburn is better.
There’s no disputing it, no denying it: Auburn 94, Alabama 85 in the SEC’s first No. 1 vs. 2 matchup was a statement in Tuscaloosa.
Auburn came in as the No. 2-ranked team and it left as an emphatic No. 1 that was better-coached, mentally tougher and more equipped to win this one-of-a-kind, in-state race for each school’s first basketball national title.
That much was clear Saturday night. It’s a long way to the first weekend in April, and all the caveats apply in a one-and-done tournament, but Auburn looks like a team that’s got the goods to go all the way.
Auburn’s Dylan Cardwell dunks against Alabama at Coleman Coliseum.
As for Alabama? Well, sometimes they do. And other times — like Saturday night — they look destined to be one of the nation’s biggest disappointments.
All that talent, all that speed, all that experience from a bunch of guys who played in a Final Four last year and they do…that? At home? With the No. 1 ranking on the line? Against their biggest rival?
Not a good look, to be honest.
Alabama fans will point to the shooting, and that’s absolutely why the Crimson Tide lost this game. A meager 5-of-26 from the 3-point line, 27-for-70 from the floor and nine missed free throws? That’s not going to get it done. And it’s highly uncharacteristic of a team ranked No. 2 in offensive efficiency at kenpom.com.
But how many of those misses were truly great looks — the kind that you bank on highly accomplished shooters like Sears and Aden Holloway and Chris Youngblood making…
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Author : USA TODAY Sports
Publish date : 2025-02-16 01:14:00
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