College basketball fans are in for a treat this weekend, as numerous high-profile contests between ranked teams are scheduled. With less than a month until conference tournaments start, it’s crunch time for teams across the country.
Top 5 Games To Watch: Auburn vs. Alabama Headlines a Stacked Saturday
With plenty of matchups on the slate, fans can expect high-intensity action, postseason implications, and heated rivalries. The game between the No. 1 Auburn Tigers and No. 2 Alabama Crimson Tide will steal the show.
Before breaking down why Auburn vs. Alabama is so special, here are the top five ranked matchups to watch this Saturday:
Top 5 Ranked Matchups
- No. 1 Auburn Tigers vs. No. 2 Alabama Crimson Tide
- Time: 4 p.m. ET | Venue: Coleman Coliseum (Tuscaloosa, AL) | TV: ESPN
- No. 5 Kansas Jayhawks vs. No. 8 Texas Longhorns
- Time: 6 p.m. ET | Venue: Moody Center (Austin, TX) | TV: CBS
- No. 7 Duke Blue Devils vs. No. 10 North Carolina Tar Heels
- Time: 8 p.m. ET | Venue: Dean Smith Center (Chapel Hill, NC) | TV: ESPN
- No. 12 Kentucky Wildcats vs. No. 15 Tennessee Volunteers
- Time: 2 p.m. ET | Venue: Thompson-Boling Arena (Knoxville, TN) | TV: CBS
- No. 9 Michigan State Spartans vs. No. 11 Purdue Boilermakers
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET | Venue: Mackey Arena (West Lafayette, IN) | TV: FOX
The Iron Bowl of Basketball: A Top-Two Showdown
College basketball rarely sees a No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup outside of March Madness, especially between fierce in-state rivals. This is the first time in history that Auburn and Alabama will compete as the top two teams in the country, making it a classic before the game even tips off.
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This game isn’t just about state bragging rights, though. Saturday’s winner will have a considerable advantage in the SEC regular season championship battle. Both teams are also currently fighting for the top overall seed in the NCAA Basketball Tournament.
Key Players To Watch
Auburn Tigers
- Johni Broome: The senior forward averages 18.6 points per game and serves as Auburn’s defensive anchor.
- Tre Donaldson: A floor general averaging 6.4 assists per game, Donaldson is imperative for controlling Auburn’s offensive tempo.
Alabama Crimson Tide
- Mark Sears: Alabama’s experienced guard leads the team with 17.8 points and 4.9 assists per game. He can also take over late-game situations.
- Grant Nelson: Nelson is a talented big man who can stretch the floor. He averages 14.2 points and 7.8 rebounds per game.
How To Watch Auburn vs. Alabama
- Date: Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025
- Time: 4 p.m. ET
- Location: Coleman Coliseum, Tuscaloosa, AL
- TV: ESPN
This game is expected to be historical, with two powerful programs competing for the ultimate title of in-state bragging rights. Whether you’re an Auburn or Alabama fan—or simply a college basketball lover—this is a must-watch.
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