Alabama (8-10, 2-3) took the first meeting between the two teams, winning a 68-54 game in Tuscaloosa on Jan. 8. The Tide offense was clicking early and the Tide was able to make key baskets and free throws down the stretch to withstand a late Tigers run. Marverly Nettles and Kate Mastin each had 20 points for Alabama, the only time this season that two Tide players scored more 20 points in a game.
It was the first SEC win for new Alabama Coach Stephany Smith.
After a win over Arkansas in the following game, the Tide has been unable to maintain any momentum, losing a road game at No. 4 LSU and a home contest against South Carolina.
Auburn (10-8, 1-4) earned its first win in league play with an impressive road win over Kentucky on Thursday, Jan. 19. The Tigers had lost its first four in SEC action to LSU, Alabama, Arkansas and Ole Miss.
Alabama’s last win at Auburn came in the 2001-02 season. The Tide’s win over the Tigers earlier this month halted a four-game Auburn win streak in the series and gave Alabama a 31-30 edge all-time in the rivalry.
The Tide will face a difficult task in the next game when Alabama travels to Knoxville, Tenn., to face No. 3 Tennessee, who had been ranked No. 1 throughout much of the season prior to its first loss at then-No. 2 Duke on Monday, Jan. 23.