At the Half: Auburn Brings the Energy, Leads Alabama 41-37 in Rivalry Showdown
The energy inside Neville Arena is exactly what you’d expect when Auburn and Alabama square off on the hardwood - loud, intense, and relentless. And at halftime of this latest chapter in the Iron Bowl rivalry, it’s the Tigers who hold a narrow 41-37 edge over the Crimson Tide in a game that’s been as physical and fast-paced as advertised.
Auburn came out with purpose, playing with a mix of aggression and poise that’s kept Alabama on its heels for stretches. Guard Elyjah Freeman made his presence felt early, knocking down a confident jumper that helped set the tone offensively. The Tigers have leaned into their depth and athleticism, using their speed in transition and attacking the paint with authority.
Keyshawn Hall has been a force around the rim, showing off both power and touch as he battled Alabama’s frontcourt. One of the first-half highlights came when Hall went up strong against Aiden Sherrell, finishing through contact in a moment that brought the Auburn crowd to its feet. Hall’s physicality has been a problem for Alabama all half long.
But Alabama isn’t backing down. Center Charles Bediako has been active in the post, facilitating from the high block and doing the dirty work inside. His passing has helped the Crimson Tide generate quality looks, even when Auburn’s pressure defense has tried to speed them up.
Aden Holloway has been a spark for Alabama in the backcourt, showing off his quick first step and fearlessness driving to the rim. He’s had a few strong takes, including a highlight-reel layup over Auburn’s Sebastian Williams-Adams that cut into the Tigers’ lead late in the half. Holloway's ability to create off the dribble is keeping Alabama within striking distance.
The Tigers, though, are playing with a certain edge - the kind of edge that comes from defending your home floor in a rivalry game. Blake Muschalek and Hall combined for a key defensive stop late in the half, and their celebration afterward told you everything you needed to know about the intensity of this one. Auburn is feeding off its crowd, and it’s showing in their hustle plays.
Tahaad Pettiford and Kevin Overton have also brought juice to Auburn’s offense, each slicing into the lane for crafty finishes around the rim. Pettiford, in particular, had a strong drive over Bediako that showcased his body control and confidence in tight spaces.
From the opening introductions to the final seconds of the first half, this game has been a back-and-forth battle between two teams that know each other well and don’t give an inch. Alabama’s Taylor Bol Bowen and Labaron Philon Jr. have each knocked down tough jumpers to keep the Tide within reach, but Auburn’s defensive energy and rim pressure have been the difference so far.
With both coaches - Steven Pearl for Auburn and Nate Oats for Alabama - locked in and their teams trading blows, the second half promises more fireworks. If the first 20 minutes were any indication, this one’s going down to the wire.
At the break, Auburn leads 41-37. Buckle up.