Johni Broome’s 19 points lead No. 1 Auburn over No. 2 Alabama 94-85

Auburn’s Dylan Cardwell (44) rebounds the ball in front of Alabama forward Jarin Stevenson (15) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)

Johni Broome had 19 points and 14 rebounds and five teammates scored in double figures as No. 1 Auburn beat in-state rival and second-ranked Alabama 94-85 on Saturday in a matchup of top-ranked teams.

Mark Sears scored 18 points and Grant Nelson added 12 points and 12 rebounds for Alabama, which rallied from a double-digit deficit in the second half, but failed to complete the comeback.

Denver Jones scored 16 points, Chad Baker-Mazara and Miles Kelly added 15 points apiece, Chaney Johnson had 14 and Tahaad Pettiford 13 for Auburn (23-2, 11-1 Southeastern Conference).

Labaron Philon and Aden Holloway each scored 10 for Alabama (21-4, 10-2).

With the victory, Auburn is assured of keeping its No. 1 ranking for a sixth straight week when the new AP College Basketball Poll is released on Monday.

Alabama will get its chance for revenge on March 8, when the two teams meet again, this time at Auburn.

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