Helena Frye
The Alabama-Auburn basketball game on March 8, 2025, ended with a thrilling 93-91 win for Alabama over Auburn in overtime. Alabama's Mark Sears hit a hero shot at the buzzer, stealing the glory from Auburn's Johni Broome, who had a 34-point performance. This game marked Alabama's last of the 2024-25 regular season and ended on a high note with a double-bye in the SEC Tournament.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, March 8, 2025 |
| Time | 1:30 p.m. CT |
| Location | Neville Arena, Auburn, Alabama |
| Teams | Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Auburn Tigers |
| Final Score | Alabama 93, Auburn 91 |
| Overtime | Yes |
| Leading Scorers for Alabama | Grant Nelson (23 points), Labaron Philon (15 points), Clifford Omoruyi (15 points) |
| Leading Scorer for Auburn | Johni Broome (34 points) |
| Hero of the Game | Mark Sears (Alabama) |
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What You'll Learn
Mark Sears' heroics
Sears' game-winning shot was a pivotal moment, as it denied Auburn's Johni Broome the chance to be the hero. Broome, who had a stellar performance with 34 points, had tied the game with 15 seconds left in overtime, but Sears' last-second heroics stole the glory and gave Alabama the bragging rights.
While Sears only scored nine points in the game, his impact extended beyond the stat sheet. His winning basket showcased his composure and ability to perform under pressure. It was a moment of redemption for Sears, who had previously come close to hitting a game-winning three-pointer in a loss against Tennessee just a week prior. This time, he ensured his shot would be the game-winner, solidifying his status as Alabama's hero.
The win was a significant boost for Alabama, who had suffered consecutive losses before this game. With the victory, they improved their record to 24-7, while Auburn, despite the loss, remained a formidable force with a 27-4 record. The game highlighted the talent and competitiveness of both teams, with Alabama's Grant Nelson also stepping up with 23 points and eight rebounds, and Labaron Philon and Clifford Omoruyi each contributing 15 points.
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Johni Broome's 34-point performance
Johni Broome had a standout performance in Auburn's basketball game against Alabama, scoring 34 points in a thrilling 93-91 overtime loss. Broome's high-scoring game put him in the running for the national player of the year award.
The Auburn star's 3-pointer with 15 seconds left in overtime tied the game at 91-91, and it looked like the game was headed for a second extra period. However, Mark Sears' heroics at the buzzer gave Alabama the win, stealing the glory from Broome, who had been the star of the game up until that point.
Broome's performance was a key factor in keeping Auburn in contention throughout the game. His scoring prowess and ability to create shots for himself and his teammates kept the Auburn offense flowing. With each team trading baskets in a back-and-forth contest, Broome's all-around game was on full display, showcasing his talent and determination.
Despite the loss, Broome's performance strengthened his reputation as one of the top players in the country. His ability to rise to the occasion in a high-pressure game against a rival team underscored his mental toughness and big-game ability. Broome's 34-point outing will surely be remembered as one of the highlights of the 2024-25 season, even if it ultimately ended in disappointment for Auburn.
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Alabama's 2024-25 season ends on a high
Alabama's 2024-25 season ended on a high with a 93-91 win over rivals Auburn. The Crimson Tide clinched the double-bye in the SEC Tournament, with Mark Sears hitting a hero shot at the buzzer to seal the deal. Alabama's win came despite a game-high 34 points for Auburn's Johni Broome, who looked to be stealing the glory with a 3-pointer with 15 seconds remaining in overtime to tie the score at 91-91. However, Sears' floater from the free-throw line in the final seconds of the game secured the win for Alabama.
The game was Alabama's last of the regular season, and the victory gave the team a major confidence boost. Alabama's Grant Nelson led the team's offence with 23 points, including a trio of 3-pointers, while Labaron Philon and Clifford Omoruyi each scored 15 points. The win kept Alabama in the running for its own No. 1 seed in the NCAA bracket, with coach Nate Oats acknowledging the importance of the win, saying, "Auburn’s gonna be a one-seed for sure, we beat them on their home floor."
The game was a thrilling conclusion to the regular season for the SEC in-state rivals, with Alabama stunning Auburn, who were ranked No. 1, and improving their own ranking from No. 8 to No. 7. The Crimson Tide's victory also gave them bragging rights heading into the SEC Tournament, where both teams had byes through the first two rounds as two of the top four seeds.
Overall, Alabama's 2024-25 season ended on a high note, with the team finishing with a record of 24-7, 13-5 SEC, and looking forward to continued success in the postseason.
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Auburn's 2024-25 season ends with a loss
Auburn's 2024-25 season ended with a loss to Alabama, with a final score of 93-91 in a thrilling overtime finish. The game was a regular-season finale for the SEC in-state rivals, with Alabama ranked No. 7 and Auburn ranked No. 1. The win gave Alabama bragging rights and a major confidence boost, with the Crimson Tide rallying against a game-high 34 points from Auburn's Johni Broome.
The game was closely contested, with Auburn's star player tying the score at 79-79 with less than a minute remaining in regulation. With three seconds left, he missed a fadeaway jumper that would have won the game, sending it into overtime. In the extra period, Broome hit a 3-pointer with 15 seconds remaining to tie the score again at 91-91. However, Alabama's Mark Sears became the hero of the day, hitting a floater from the free-throw line at the buzzer to secure the victory for the Crimson Tide.
Despite the loss, Auburn still finished the regular season with an impressive 27-4 record (15-3 in the SEC) and was expected to be a top seed in the NCAA men's tournament. The team had already clinched the SEC regular-season championship before this game, and their banner hung from the rafters in Neville Arena, serving as a reminder to Alabama that only pride was at stake.
For Alabama, the win kept them alive for a potential No. 1 seed in the NCAA bracket. The Crimson Tide finished the regular season with a 24-7 record (13-5 in the SEC) and gained a confidence boost ahead of a potential rematch with Auburn in the SEC Tournament. Alabama's offense was led by Grant Nelson, who scored 23 points, including a trio of 3-pointers, and Labaron Philon and Clifford Omoruyi, who each contributed 15 points.
Although Auburn's season ended with a loss, they still had a highly successful campaign, and their sights were set on the NCAA Tournament, where they aimed to improve upon their previous year's performance.
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Alabama's previous loss to Tennessee
Alabama's last game of the 2024-25 regular season was against Auburn. The Crimson Tide clinched a double-bye in the SEC Tournament, which was held on March 12-16, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee. However, before that, Alabama faced Tennessee in a closely contested game on March 1, 2025.
The No. 6 Crimson Tide led by nine points in the second half and held a four-point lead with 30 seconds remaining. However, Tennessee's Jahmai Mashack scored a three-pointer at the buzzer, resulting in a 79-76 victory for the Volunteers. This loss extended Alabama coach Nate Oats' winless record against Tennessee during his tenure.
Alabama's previous encounter with Tennessee was on January 20, 2024, where they suffered a 91-71 defeat. Dalton Knecht's 25 points propelled Tennessee to victory, handing Alabama their first Southeastern Conference loss of the season.
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Frequently asked questions
The final score was 93-91 to Alabama.
Alabama's Grant Nelson scored 23 points and Auburn's Johni Broome scored 34 points.
Mark Sears made the final shot at the buzzer.
No, this game was the last of the 2024-25 regular season.
Yes, Auburn went on to compete in the SEC Tournament in Nashville, Tennessee.
