TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WIAT) -- Auburn took on Alabama Saturday in the SEC's first ever No. 1 versus No. 2 matchup. It was the Tigers who came out with the victory, 94-85.
Alabama was never able to take the lead in the game, as Auburn led by as much as 14 in the second half. Bama went on a 10-0 run and at one point, tied the game at 65. But the Tigers were able to overcome the road environment and adversity, responding with a 7-0 run of their own. Tahaad Pettiford and Chad Baker-Mazara played huge roles in the second half for the Tigers.
Pettiford scored nine of his 11 points in the second half and in crucial moments. Johni Broome led all Tigers with 19 points and 14 rebounds. He made huge plays down the stretch for the Tigers as well, as he continues to make a statement for National Player of the Year.
Alabama battled all the way to the final buzzer but came up short. The Tide has multiple chances in the game to take the lead in some moments, but couldn't capitalize when needed most. Auburn did a great job of forcing Bama to take tough threes, as Alabama shot 5-of-26 from behind the arc. Mark Sears struggled shooting the ball efficiently, finishing 4-of-17, but led the team with 18 points.
The Tigers got out to a hot start early, as they opened the game with a 9-0 lead, thanks to two three-pointers from Broome and another from Miles Kelly. Auburn led the entire first half, marking the first time this season that Alabama's never had the lead in a half. Stifling defense from the Tigers forced Alabama to shot 2-of-15 from the three-point line in the first half and only 31.4% at the break.
The environment for the Iron Bowl of basketball did not disappoint, but it's the Tigers who proved that they're the No. 1 team in college basketball.
Auburn will host Arkansas Wednesday with tipoff scheduled for 8 p.m. on ESPN. The Crimson Tide will travel to face No. 21 Missouri at 8 p.m. on SEC Network.