The Alabama Crimson Tide basketball program will open its preseason schedule with a much‑anticipated exhibition against the Auburn Tigers on October 22 at Legacy Arena in Birmingham. The game marks the first of two preseason matchups, the other being a contest against Ole Miss on October 15, and serves as a early test for a team that finished the previous season as a 2‑seed in the SEC Tournament.
A storied rivalry revisited
The series between Alabama and Auburn stretches back to February 28, 1924, with the Crimson Tide holding a commanding 103‑69 edge over the Tigers. The most recent regular‑season meeting saw Alabama pull away 96‑84, securing a three‑game win streak and reinforcing the team’s confidence heading into the new campaign.
Key contributors in that victory were guard Aden Holloway and forward Labaron Philon Jr., each posting 21 points. Their combined effort helped Alabama dominate the paint, outscoring Auburn 58‑32, while the team also out‑rebounded the Tigers 42‑28, generating 24 second‑chance points off 19 offensive boards.
Looking ahead to the full schedule
Alabama’s 2026‑27 SEC slate will feature a rematch with Auburn on January 30, but the immediate focus remains on the non‑conference portion of the calendar. The Crimson Tide have already locked in games against Sam Houston, Baylor, and St. John’s, while also slated to appear in high‑profile events such as the Players Era Championships in Las Vegas and the Jimmy V Classic at Madison Square Garden.
The upcoming exhibition against Auburn offers a chance for the team to fine‑tune its chemistry before the grind of conference play. With a deep roster and a strong emphasis on rebounding and interior scoring, Alabama hopes to carry its early‑season momentum into the SEC schedule and maintain its position among the league’s elite.