The excitement was palpable at Neville Arena in Auburn, Alabama, on Saturday, March 8, 2025, as No. 7 Alabama faced off against No. 1 Auburn in a thrilling basketball matchup. With fans from both sides on the edge of their seats, the game delivered a heart-stopping conclusion that will be remembered for years to come.
A Dramatic Finish
In a game that was as competitive as it gets, Alabama emerged victorious with a stunning 93-91 score after overtime. The highlight of the match came when Mark Sears, a standout player for Alabama, made an incredible game-winning floater that swooshed through the net just as the buzzer sounded. This moment not only secured the win for Alabama but also marked a significant point in Sears’ career as he scored nine points during the game, with three of those being crucial baskets.
Key Players Shine
Despite the thrilling conclusion, the game was filled with remarkable performances from both teams. Alabama’s Grant Nelson shined brightly by scoring 23 points, pushing his team to succeed in such a high-pressure game. Meanwhile, Labaron Philon and Clifford Omoruyi contributed 15 points each, showcasing the depth of talent on Alabama’s roster. On the other side, Auburn’s Johni Broome delivered an astonishing 34 points, proving himself as a formidable opponent. Tahaad Pettiford also played a key role for Auburn, scoring 19 points and fueling their competitive spirit.
Auburn’s Struggles
The match had its share of challenges for Auburn as well. The Tigers faced a tough moment when Chad Baker-Mazara was ejected late in the game due to a Flagrant 2 foul, leaving the team short-handed for the final minutes. Despite this setback, Auburn fought valiantly, showing their resilience even when the odds seemed stacked against them.
What This Win Means
This victory was especially sweet for Alabama, who snapped a two-game losing streak and strengthened their momentum heading into the postseason. With this win, Alabama’s coach, Nate Oats, celebrated his third career victory against a No. 1 ranked team—a significant achievement that ties him with a rare record in SEC history. The thrill of winning against a rival adds a special flavor to the celebration!
Game Highlights and Statistics
Here are some quick highlights and stats from the game that underscore the drama:
- Mark Sears hit the game-winning shot just before the buzzer.
- Alabama finished the regular season with a solid 24-7 record, including 13-5 in SEC play.
- Auburn had a two-game winning streak shattered by this loss.
- The teams faced each other twice during the season, with Auburn winning the first match-up 94-85 on February 15, 2025.
- This was the first time in history that both games in the Iron Bowl of Basketball featured top-10 ranked opponents.
Looking Ahead
As both teams prepare for their respective journeys in the postseason, fans will remember this nail-biting game for its intensity and dramatic finish. With Alabama taking the win this time around, the rivalry between these two teams continues to grow, and it will be interesting to see how they perform in the upcoming tournament. The memories created during games like this are what make sports so thrilling—each moment counts, and anything can happen!
| Team | Score | Top Scorer |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 93 | Grant Nelson (23 points) |
| Auburn | 91 | Johni Broome (34 points) |
