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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Alabama basketball secured a narrow 87-85 victory over Auburn in its final exhibition game of the preseason at Legacy Arena. The intensity displayed by players, coaches, and fans from both programs made it seem like a late-season matchup rather than an October scrimmage.
"That felt like a Sweet 16 game in October," Auburn head coach Steven Pearl remarked afterward. "That was a hell of an environment for a college basketball tonight." The atmosphere was electric, and BamaCentral photographer Sarah Munzenmaier captured 20 of the best moments from The Feud.
Key Analysis
Alabama head coach Nate Oats emphasized the value of such a competitive exhibition. "Got real chippy, those guys played hard," Oats said during the postgame press conference. "I think part of the reason for us playing is I wanted an intense exhibition game. Like, this is not easily replicable. You don't get this in practice. You don't get this in your buy games. This is a rivalry game. This an SEC game, so to be able to play an SEC game in the middle of October lets you know what you've got to work on."
Freshman guard Qayden Samuels impressed with 20 points and four assists, including a crucial shot that put Alabama ahead 85-82 with 36 seconds left in regulation. Boise State transfer Drew Fielder contributed five points and four rebounds in 22 minutes, while Kentucky transfer Brandon Garrison added nine points and five rebounds in 21 minutes.
Junior forward Keitenn Bristow led the Crimson Tide on the boards with eight rebounds and also scored nine points in 29 minutes. Freshman forward Tarris Bouie showcased his athleticism, finishing with 14 points, seven rebounds, and two steals. Sophomore guard Amari Allen paced Alabama with 23 points, 18 of which came in the second half, and added four steals, four rebounds, and two assists.
The game also featured several memorable moments, including Jaxon Richardson hyping up the fans, Brandon Garrison attacking the rim, and Amari Allen taunting Auburn. The victory provided a valuable learning experience for both teams as they prepare for the regular season.