Auburn Tigers vs Alabama Crimson Tide Picks and Predictions March 8th 2025

No. 7 Alabama Searching for Extra Gear in Finale vs. No. 1 Auburn

No. 7 Alabama is looking for a strong finish to the regular season after a disappointing stretch of four losses in six games, but it won’t come easy as the Crimson Tide visit No. 1 Auburn on Saturday.

The SEC rivals met just three weeks ago, with Auburn winning 94-85 in Tuscaloosa, a victory that solidified the Tigers’ position as the top team in the country and sent Alabama into a skid.

Now, with the SEC Tournament on the horizon, both teams have something to prove in the regular-season finale.

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Alabama Struggling to Close the Season Strong

Alabama (23-7, 12-5 SEC) has been fading down the stretch, losing to Florida, Tennessee, Missouri, and Auburn during a six-game stretch that knocked them out of contention for the SEC title.

The latest setback—a 99-94 home loss to No. 5 Florida on Wednesday—was particularly frustrating for Crimson Tide coach Nate Oats.

“We knew it was going to be a tough stretch to close, but I thought we’d do a little bit better,” Oats said. “I thought we’d at least play with more effort. I’m more — not panicked we’re losing. It’s more concerning how we lost. … I think Florida had more pop, more energy than us. That’s concerning to me.”

Sears Carrying Alabama, But Needs Help

Despite Alabama’s struggles, Mark Sears has been playing at an elite level, scoring 30 points against Florida and averaging 28.0 points per game over the last five contests.

Sears is now averaging 19.5 points per game this season, but Alabama’s supporting cast has been inconsistent.

“I would anticipate us being a lot better Saturday at Auburn,” Oats said. “I don’t think this group’s going to have quit in them. I just don’t really have an answer as to why we didn’t have pop throughout a lot of the game, but we at least fought, didn’t want to quit.”

Auburn Aims for No. 1 NCAA Tournament Seed

While Alabama is trying to regain its footing, Auburn (27-3, 15-2 SEC) is looking to wrap up the No. 1 overall seed for the NCAA Tournament after clinching the SEC regular-season title.

However, the Tigers are coming off a surprising 83-72 loss to No. 22 Texas A&M on Tuesday, a game where they were physically overmatched.

“They physically dominated the game. We got pushed around,” Auburn coach Bruce Pearl said. “Give Texas A&M credit. They’ve beaten us before this way.”

Despite the setback, Pearl remains confident in his team.

“We’ll be excited about playing at home on Saturday,” Pearl said. “You’d like to be playing your best basketball heading into the postseason. We’ve got the conference championships wrapped up. We’d like to try to wrap up the No. 1 seed (in the NCAA Tournament).”

Broome vs. Sears: The Key Matchup

Auburn’s Johni Broome, a National Player of the Year candidate, has been dominant all season, averaging 18.0 points and 10.7 rebounds per game.

However, Broome has had back-to-back quiet games, including an eight-point performance in the loss to Texas A&M.

In the first meeting against Alabama, Broome tallied 19 points, 14 rebounds, and six assists, playing a pivotal role in Auburn’s victory.

Meanwhile, Sears struggled in that game, finishing with 18 points on just 4-of-17 shooting. If Alabama wants a different result this time, Sears will need a more efficient outing.

Injury Watch: Auburn’s Denver Jones Questionable

Auburn could be missing a key piece, as Denver Jones (ankle) is questionable after missing the game against Texas A&M.

Freshman Tahaad Pettiford stepped up in Jones’ absence, hitting a career-high six 3-pointers and scoring 19 points. If Jones is out, Pettiford could be a key X-factor against Alabama.

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What’s at Stake?

For Alabama, a win would halt its slide, boost NCAA Tournament seeding, and restore confidence heading into the SEC Tournament.

For Auburn, a victory further cements its case for the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament and sends the Tigers into March Madness with momentum.

With both teams hungry for a statement win, expect a physical, high-stakes battle in Auburn as these SEC powerhouses collide.