SEC Basketball Powerhouses Alabama and Auburn Both Win

Alabama and Auburn are usually thought of as football schools in terms of college sports, but its time to think of them as basketball schools, too. Both were ranked in the Top 5 in the country, with Auburn as #1 and Alabama not far behind at #4 as they went into action on January 29th.

Auburn was on the road at LSU in Baton Rouge, where it was the Tigers vs. the Tigers. The Tigers of Auburn were pretty much in control all the way in this one, taking a 41-29 lead at the half. LSU nearly matched Auburn in scoring in the second half to keep it respectable, but Auburn cruised to an 87-74 victory. Johni Broome led the way for Auburn with 26 points and 16 rebounds. Cam Carter scored 24 points for LSU. Auburn improved to 19-1 on the season, 7-0 in SEC conference games.

Meanwhile, Alabama drew a tough assignment at #14 Mississippi State. The Crimson Tide led by nine points with 14:17 left but the Bulldogs chipped away and briefly took a 74-72 lead with 6:33 to go. Alabama regained the lead and the teams were within a point or two of each other down the stretch. A pair of free throws by Chris Youngblood with 10 seconds left gave Alabama an 87-84 lead, which was followed by a Grant Nelson free throw with five seconds left to seal the 88-84 Crimson Tide win.

Youngblood led Alabama with a season high 23 points, 21 of which were on three point baskets. Josh Hubbard led Mississippi State with a career high 38 points; he was hot from beyond the arc as well with six three pointers. Alabama improved to 18-3 and 7-1 in conference play.