Auburn tops Alabama 94-85, secures SEC lead

Auburn's basketball team solidified its position as the top team in the nation with a 94-85 victory over No. 2 Alabama, showcasing strong performances from multiple players. Head coach Bruce Pearl praised senior guard Denver Jones for his exceptional defensive skills, particularly in limiting Alabama's Mark Sears to just 23.5% shooting. Jones also contributed offensively, scoring 16 points and making key three-pointers during the game. Pearl emphasized the balance and teamwork exhibited by the Tigers, as six players scored in double digits, enabling them to overcome rebounding deficits and foul trouble. With this win, Auburn has set a record for Quadrant 1 victories by an SEC team, further enhancing their NCAA tournament prospects. The rivalry between Auburn and Alabama is expected to intensify as fans look forward to their upcoming rematch on March 8.