Auburn, Alabama Renew Basketball Rivalry at Neville Arena

The Tigers and Crimson Tide face off in a key SEC matchup with both teams sitting at 5-4 in conference play.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Auburn basketball returns home to host rival Alabama in a key SEC matchup at Neville Arena. The Tigers and Crimson Tide have combined for 9 conference titles since 2018, though neither team is ranked this season. Both squads have faced the two toughest schedules in the nation, according to KenPom, making this a crucial separator game in the SEC standings.

Why it matters

The Auburn-Alabama basketball rivalry is one of the best in the SEC, with the two programs combining for 9 conference titles since 2018. This matchup could have major implications for their postseason hopes, as both teams currently sit at 5-4 in SEC play and are looking to separate themselves in the league standings.

The details

The game will feature a matchup of two teams that have faced the toughest schedules in the country this season. Auburn coach Steven Pearl described it as a "separator game" between the two squads, who are both looking to improve their position in the SEC race. Legendary broadcaster Dick Vitale will join the ESPN2 broadcast team for the contest.

  • The game tips off at 3 p.m. CT on Saturday, February 7, 2026.

The players

Steven Pearl

The head coach of the Auburn Tigers basketball team.

Dick Vitale

A legendary college basketball broadcaster who will be part of the ESPN2 broadcast team for the game.

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What they’re saying

“Both teams are sitting at 5-4 right now in the SEC. It could be a separator game, (between) two teams that have really been battle tested.”

— Steven Pearl, Auburn Head Coach

“The Auburn-Alabama basketball rivalry is the best in the SEC, with nine combined conference titles between the Tigers and Crimson Tide since 2018.”

— Steven Pearl, Auburn Head Coach

What’s next

The winner of this game will take a big step towards securing a higher seed in the SEC Tournament, which could impact their chances of making the NCAA Tournament.

The takeaway

This rivalry matchup between Auburn and Alabama features two teams that have faced the toughest schedules in the country, making it a crucial separator game in the SEC standings. The winner will gain an advantage in their pursuit of a high seed in the conference tournament and potential NCAA Tournament berth.