FLORENCE, Ala. (January 25, 2025) – Saturday’s basketball game between North Alabama and Austin Peay was full of fireworks, but clutch scoring and a pair of crucial defensive plays from a trio of Lions led to a thrilling 88-84 overtime victory for UNA in front of a sold-out crowd inside CB&S Bank Arena.

Riding the momentum of a win over Atlantic Sun Conference preseason favorite Lipscomb on Thursday, the Lions (14-7, 6-2 ASUN) led most of the way against Austin Peay — the same team that eliminated UNA in the semifinal round last season.

However, a go-ahead and-one layup by Austin Peay’s Sai Witt put the Govs (8-13, 3-5 ASUN) ahead 74-72 in the final minute. This was APSU’s first lead in over 13 minutes.

Enter Jacari Lane.

The junior guard and reigning first team all-conference selection had the ball with 10 seconds to go and drove the lane, banking in a layup to tie the game. Austin Peay’s leading scorer, Isaac Haney, had the final attempt of regulation, but his potential game-winner was swatted away by Corneilous Williams at the horn. At 84-84, UNA went to overtime for the second time this season.

Once again, enter Jacari Lane.

The Huntsville native sank the first points of overtime — a triple at the four-minute mark. UNA never trailed again, though Haney made it 82-81 with 51 seconds to go. Lane got to the line twice on the next two possessions and extended the lead to 85-81. After that, Will Soucie stole a pass near mid-court and was fouled, extending the lead to 86-81.

The final 10 seconds were jam-packed, as Haney hit a stellar three-pointer to make it 86-84. UNA sank both free throws at the other end and had a block from Taye Fields on the final possession.

The game story could not be written without senior guard Daniel Ortiz — the player who made the final free throws to ice the game. Ortiz led the team with a season-high 28 points, including five triples. He also matched his career-best night at the line, going a perfect 7-7.

Rebounding played a massive role for UNA with a 57-36 advantage on the boards — a new season-high. Fields scored 10 points and grabbed 18 rebounds for a monster day on the boards. Williams had 12 rebounds, while Soucie had nine. Soucie also scored 14 points for a near double-double.

Defensively, UNA blocked 11 shots for a new Division I school record. Williams broke the individual Division I school record with six, while Fields swatted four.

Austin Peay was led by Haney with 28 points to match Ortiz.

The win moves UNA into a three-way tie for second in the league standings with FGCU and Lipscomb at 6-2 behind Jacksonville at 7-1. Austin Peay sits in a tie for eighth with North Florida at 3-5.

HOW IT HAPPENED

First Half: Daniel Ortiz set the tone with a second-chance and-one layup early in the game. He and Lane scored the first 11 points to build an early lead. However, Haney and the Govs took their first lead at the 15:46 mark, but it did not last long as the Lions went ahead 22-12 at the 12:13 mark. Ahead 30-29 heading to the final four minutes, Soucie got the crowd involved with a clutch triple set up by Fields. Fields had the next four points for UNA, then Lane ended the scoring at 40-33 at the break. Lane and Ortiz combined for 23 in the half, while UNA had a 30-14 rebounding advantage.

Second Half: Despite trailing by seven at the break, Austin Peay shifted the lead with 13:51 remaining on a triple from freshman Tate McCubbin — the reigning ASUN Newcomer of the Week. UNA got back in control, but only had one moment in the second half where it led by double digits after a Soucie three at the 5:28 mark. APSU began its remarkable comeback with scoring plays from Haney and teammate Sai Witt, who nearly fouled out in regulation before a controversial charging call was overturned. This set up the final minute of drama, where Lane tied the game in the final six seconds and Williams stuffed the potential game-winner under the goal.

Overtime: Lane and Haney went toe-to-toe in overtime, combining for 15 of the 24 points scored in the frame by both teams. However, Lane was the hero with timely scoring, while Fields grabbed four overtime rebounds and blocked the final shot. Ortiz went 4-4 at the line in overtime, as UNA never fell behind.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• UNA had 30 rebounds in the first half. Austin Peay had 36 the entire game.

• The 57 rebounds were a season-high and the most since pulling in 65 against Crowley’s Ridge on December 17, 2020.

• The 11 blocks broke the previous Division I school record of nine set last season against Lipscomb on February 15, 2024.

• UNA attempted 77 shots for a new season high, shooting 37.7 percent. APSU went 31-70 for 44.3 percent.

• Both teams shot 9-33 behind the arc for 27.3 percent.

• Taye Fields was one short of a career-high in rebounds, as well as one short of the UNA Division I record of 19 set by Emanuel Littles against Crowley’s Ridge in 2020.

• Tonight marked UNA’s first overtime win since February 18, 2023 at EKU. UNA had previously dropped the last four overtime games, including UT Martin, Kansas State and Austin Peay last season and Samford this season.

• Tonight snaps a three-game skid against Austin Peay, all of which happened last season. The teams will play again on February 5 inside F&M Bank Arena in Clarksville.
•  

COMING UP NEXT

The Lions hit the road on Wednesday to battle Queens in Charlotte, N.C. The following Saturday, UNA will host Central Arkansas at 7:45 p.m.

For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

2025 AHSAA Duals Wrestling Tourney

Scottsboro  Streaks Past Springville
to Claim AHSAA 5A Duals Tourney Title  

      BIRMINGHAM – Scottsboro High School captured its third AHSAA Duals Tourney wrestling title Saturday at Bill Harris Arena with a dominating performance in the semifinals and finals.
    The Wildcats (15-1), coached by Chris Staton, won the Class 5A title for the second year in a row beating Springville 57-22 in the finals Saturday at Bill Harris Arena at the Birmingham CrossPlex. Scottsboro beat Tallassee in 2024 for the title. The Tigers dropped to 1A/4A this season and rolled to the state duals crown in the morning session. Scottsboro won its first duals title winning the 1A-5A division in 2019.
     Scottsboro posted five pins in a row – starting with Stone Staton pinning Aiden Hand in the 1289-pound division Saturday to take control of the championship match. His win was followed by Jackson Dupree (134 pounds), Isaac Ferguson (140 pounds, John Stewart (146 pounds),  Josh Draskovic (152) pounds all winning by falls. Draskovic won his match in just 34 seconds.
     Springville’s Callen Hettich pinned Caleb Adams at 159 pounds to end the string of falls by the Wildcats. The Tigers (21-12) were making their first appearance in the duals finals.
    Elmore County (22-11) beat Beauregard (26-11) 63-16 in the consolation finals. Scottsboro downed Elmore County 65-11 and Springville topped Beauregard 47-35 in the semis earlier Saturday.
 

AHSAA WRESTLING DUALS CHAMPIONSHIPS
CLASS 5A CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
Scottsboro (15-1) 57, Springville (21-13) 22

108 pounds: Fisher Lundberg (Springville) dec. Sam Roney (Scottsboro) Maj 19-9

122 pounds: Cole Snyder (Scottsboro) won by forfeit
128 pounds: Stone Staton (Scottsboro) pinned Aiden Hand (Springville) Fall 3:49

134 pounds: Jackson Dupree (Scottsboro) pinned Riley Gray (Springville) Fall 1:44

140 pounds: Isaac Ferguson (Scottsboro) pinned Caleb Holloway (Springville) Fall 2:39

146 pounds: John Stewart (Scottsboro) pinned Aiden Griffith (Springville) Fall 1:04

152 pounds: Josh Draskovic (Scottsboro) pinned Caleb Adams (Springville) Fall 0:34

159 pounds: Callen Hettich (Springville) pinned Cohen Osborne (Scottsboro) Fall 4:59

167 pounds: Jj Ake (Scottsboro) pinned Cam Spence (Springville) Fall 2:42

177 pounds: Alec Swallows (Springville) pinned Vinny Jaqubino (Scottsboro) Fall 3:34

192 pounds: Jacob Anderson (Scottsboro) pinned Armani Lucas (Springville) Fall 5:17

217 pounds: Luke Calfee (Scottsboro) dec. Landon Mckendree (Springville) Dec 13-6

287 pounds: Talan Swallows (Springville) pinned Briar Cornelison (Scottsboro) Fall 0:48

CLASS 5A SEMIFINAL CONSOLATION FINALS
Elmore County (22-11) 63, Beauregard (26-11) 16

108 pounds: Parker Van noy (Beauregard HS) dec. Casey Crumpton (Elmore County) Maj 22-9

115 pounds: Stran Webb (Elmore County) dec. Aiden Turley (Beauregard HS) TF 16-1

122 pounds: Caleb Bryant (Elmore County) pinned Brandon Harman (Beauregard HS) Fall 0:51

128 pounds: Dylan Andres (Elmore County School) pinned Chirstopher Alford (Beauregard HS) Fall 0:56

134 pounds: Hudson Fulmer (Elmore County) dec. Kaden Bell (Beauregard HS) TF 18-1

140 pounds: Micah Myers (Elmore County) pinned Brody Edwards (Beauregard HS) Fall 3:01

146 pounds:  - Grayson Meeks (Elmore County) over Chirstopher Sanchez (Beauregard HS) 

152 pounds: Reese Thorn (Beauregard HS) pinned Nicholas Smith (Elmore County) Fall 1:07

159 pounds: Hayden Fochtmann (Elmore County) pinned Tykel Durrell (Beauregard HS) Fall 1:50

167 pounds: Gavin Eason (Elmore County) pinned Aaron Hollinger (Beauregard HS) Fall 0:39

177 pounds: Connor Pike (Elmore County) pinned Brody Morand (Beauregard HS) Fall 1:06

192 pounds: Luke Reinert (Elmore County dec. Cristian Perez (Beauregard HS) TF 17-1

217 pounds: Jonthan Mackey (Beauregard HS) won by forfeit

287 pounds: Warren Bethea (Elmore County) pinned Eli Cooper (Beauregard HS) Fall 1:52

CLASS 5A SEMIFINAL MATCHES
Scottsboro (14-1) 65, Elmore County (21-11) 11

108 pounds: Casey Crumpton, Elmore County over Sam Roney, Scottsboro, Fall 4:43

115 pounds: Gage Staton (Scottsboro) over Stran Webb, Elmore County, Fall 3:28

122 pounds: Cole Snyder, Scottsboro pinned Caleb Bryant, Elmore County, Fall 3:30

128 pounds: Stone Staton, Scottsboro dec. Dylan Andres, Elmore County, TF 25-10

134 pounds: Jackson Dupree, Scottsboro pinned  Hudson Fulmer, Elmore County School, Fall 1:35

140 pounds: Isaac Ferguson, Scottsboro dec. Micah Myers, Elmore County School, TF 16-1

146 pounds: John Stewart, Scottsboro pinned Grayson Meeks, Elmore County, Fall 2:29

152 pounds: Josh Draskovic, Scottsboro pinned  Hayden Fochtmann, Elmore County, Fall 1:59

159 pounds: Cohen Osborne, Scottsboro pinned  Gavin Eason, Elmore County, TF 17-0

167 pounds: Jj Ake, Scottsboro, Scottsboro dec. Haggan Parker, Elmore County, TF 15-0

177 pounds: Connor Pike, Elmore County pinned  Vinny Jaqubino Scottsboro, Fall 1:04

192 pounds: Jacob Anderson, Scottsboro dec. Luke Reinert, Elmore County, Dec 6-5

217 pounds: Lance Barnett, Scottsboro pinned Aiden Payton, Elmore County, Fall 1:22

287 pounds: Luke Calfee, Scottsboro pinned  Warren Bethea, Elmore County, Fall 1:15

Elmore County School's team score was adjusted by -1.0 for straps down on mat

Springville (21-12) 47, Beauregard (26-10) 35

108 pounds: Parker Van noy, Beauregard pinned Fisher Lundberg, Springville, Fall 1:53

115 pounds: Aiden Turley, Beauregard pinned Cam Marino, Springville, Fall 0:43

122 pounds: Brandon Harman, Beauregard pinned Mason Ruple, Springville, Fall 2:26

128 pounds: Aiden Hand, Springville pinned Christopher Alford, Beauregard, Fall 0:22

134 pounds: Kaden Bell, Beauregard pinned Christian Dorsett, Springville, Fall 2:37

140 pounds: Caleb Holloway, Springville pinned Brody Edwards, Beauregard, Fall 5:38

146 pounds: Noah Crawford, Springville pinned Chirstopher Sanchez, Beauregard, Fall 2:51

152 pounds: Reese Thorn, Beauregard pinned Caleb Adams, Springville, Fall 0:48

159 pounds: Carl Bell, Beauregard dec. Callen Hettich, Springville, MFF

167 pounds: Cam Spence, Springville pinned  Aaron Hollinger, Beauregard, Fall 5:57

177 pounds: Alec Swallows, Springville pinned Brody Morand, Beauregard, Fall 0:39

192 pounds: Armani Lucas, Springville dec. Cristian Perez, Beauregard, TF 15-0

217 pounds: Landon Mckendree, Springville pinned  Jonthan Mackey, Beauregard, Fall 1:01

287 pounds: Talan Swallows, Springville pinned  Eli Cooper, Beauregard, Fall 1:54

Beauregard’s team score was adjusted by -1.0 for unsportsmanlike conduct bench decorum

MONTGOMERY – Huntsville High School won its second straight AHSAA Class 7A Wrestling Duals tournament title Saturday at the Birmingham CrossPlex Bill Harris Arena.
    However, victory didn’t come without a struggle. The Panthers (22-3), coached by Patrick Harris, and Vestavia Hills (10-2), coached by Monterrious Adams, each posted semifinal wins over Enterprise and Daphne, respectively. Advancing to the championship, the two wrestling powers battled to a 32-32 tie after all 14 matches concluded.  That sent the contest into a tie breaker which was settled due to a penalty point being assessed to a Vestavia wrestler for unsportsmanlike conduct after his match concluded. A point was deducted from the point total per NFHS wrestling rules, and in the tie breaker that applied which weighs which team had the most penalty points, Huntsville had none and Vestavia one – which gave the Panthers a point that broke the tie and gave them the win.
    In the final match, Vestavia Hills had three wins by pin, the fastest registered by 108-pounder Ryan McKelvey at 1:55 of his match with Jackson Woolsey. Huntsville 152-pounder Yanik Simon won his match over Nate Williams with a pin coming in just 24 seconds. The Panthers also won a bout with a major decision and to technical fall.  Each team had seven wins.
   Vestavia Hills had two very quick pins in its 57-17 victory over Daphne in the semifinals. Andrew Sullivan needed just 42 seconds to win his match at 177 pounds. Aidan Morris won his 134-pound bout with a pin at 1:19.
    Enterprise downed Enterprise 43-24 in the other semifinal with Huntsville’s Simon getting a pin at 152 pounds at 1:28. Zachary Teter won his 287-pound match for the Panthers needing only 1:59 to the win by fall.
    The Wildcats got the fastest pin, however, with Karter Stiffler taking his 122-pound match with a pin in just 41 seconds. Enterprise and Huntsville met last year in the 7A duals championship match.
    The Wildcats (21-5) of Coach Kyle Stiffler bounced back in Saturday’s consolation finals with a 39-35 win over Daphne (13-6). The Trojans of Coach Joseph Jefcoat managed two quick pins with Jackson Mcgivney winning his 108-pound match in just 24 seconds, and Michael Swiger winning his 115-pound match in 1:06. Paxton Hanshaw had Enterprise’s only win with a pin at 3:43 in the 128-pound match.
    The Class 5A and Class 6A duals semifinals and finals were set for Saturday afternoon. All matches are being live streamed over the NFHS Network.
 

CLASS 7A DUALS FINALS
Huntsville (22-3) 33, Vestavia Hills (10-2) 32
108 pounds: Ryan McKelvey, Vestavia Hills pins Jackson Woolsey, Huntsville, Fall 1:55

115 pounds: Matthew Campbell, Vestavia Hills dec. Elias Steely, Huntsville, Maj 15-3

122 pounds: Kiyan Simon, Huntsville pins John Junkin, Vestavia Hills, Fall 2:32

128 pounds: Cordell Lee, Huntsville dec. Stone Phillips (Vestavia Hills, SV-1 6-3

134 pounds: Aidan Morris, Vestavia Hills pins Joseph Sowell, Huntsville,  Fall 0:28

140 pounds: Charles Noto, Vestavia Hills dec. Joshua Abrams, Huntsville,  Dec 3-2

146 pounds: Colyn Finley, Vestavia Hills over Nate Williams, Huntsville, Dec 5-1

152 pounds: Yanik Simon, Huntsville pinned Walker Hogue, Vestavia Hills, Fall 0:24

159 pounds: Bo Reynolds, Huntsville over Grayer Manown, Vestavia Hills,  Dec 5-3

167 pounds: Chalie Sledge, Huntsville over Owen Wilbanks’ Vestavia Hills, Maj 11-3

177 pounds: Andrew Sullivan, Vestavia Hills dec. Brandon Bethea, Huntsville,  TF 16-1

192 pounds: Cooper Cook, Vestavia Hills pinned Gavin Robkin, Huntsville, Fall 3:31

217 pounds: Jason Brown, Huntsville dec. Luke Merrill, Vestavia Hills, TF 19-4

287 pounds: Zachary Teter, Huntsville dec. Jay West, Vestavia Hills, TF 15-0

Vestavia Hills's team score was adjusted by -1.0 for unsportsmanlike conduct
 

CLASS 7A CONSOLATION FINALS
Enterprise (21-5) 39, Daphne (13-6) 35
108 pounds: Jackson Mcgivney, Daphne over Harvey Kahle, Enterprise, Fall 0:24

115 pounds: Micah Swiger, Daphne over Angel Quinones, Enterprise, Fall 1:06

122 pounds: Karter Stiffler, Enterprise over Ethan Frounfelter, Daphne, TF 19-4

128 pounds: Paxton Hanshaw, Enterprise over Tobyas Boyett, Daphne, Fall 3:43

134 pounds: Kameron Stiffler, Enterprise won by forfeit

140 pounds: Tytorrion Gilbert, Enterprise over Kaiden Deleon, Daphne, SV-1 6-3

146 pounds: Grier Hunt, Enterprise over Jacob Sweet, Daphne, TF 19-2

152 pounds: Toby Hymel, Daphne over Aidan Wood, Enterprise, Fall 1:20

159 pounds: Clayton Williams, Daphne over Alexander Braman, Enterprise, Fall 5:17

167 pounds: Kody Sigmon, Enterprise over Kohwen Kirkpatrick, Daphne, TF 19-3

177 pounds: Levi Hoots, Daphne over Marcus Whiting , Enterprise, TF 16-0

192 pounds: Gavin Whiteside, Enterprise won by forfeit
217 pounds: Colton Rainer, Daphne won by forfeit

287 pounds: Jacob Ortiz, Enterprise over Marquaes Lambert (Daphne) Dec 1-0

CLASS 7A  SEMIFINALS
Vestavia Hills (10-1) 57, Daphne (13-5) 17
108 pounds: Ryan McKelvey, Vestavia Hills dec. Jackson McGivney, Daphne, TF 17-1
115 pounds: Micah Swiger, Daphne won by forfeit
122 pounds: John Junkin, Vestavia Hills pinned Tobyas Boyett, Daphne, Fall 3:55
128 pounds: Stone Phillips, Vestavia Hills dec. Jamison McGivney, Daphne, TF 19-3
134 pounds: Aidan Morris,Vestavia Hills pinned Mason Varn, Daphne, Fall 1:19
140 pounds: Charles Noto (Vestavia Hills) pinned Kaiden Deleon, Daphne, Fall 2:18
146 pounds: Colyn Finley (Vestavia Hills) dec. Jacob Sweet, Daphne, TF 18-0
152 pounds: Toby Hymel, Daphne pinned Walker Hogue, Vestavia Hills, Fall 1:58
159 pounds: Grayer Manown (Vestavia Hills) dec. Clayton Williams, Daphne, Dec 7-1
167 pounds: Owen Wilbanks, Vestavia Hills dec. Kohwen Kirkpatrick, Daphne, Dec 11-8
177 pounds: Andrew Sullivan, Vestavia Hills pinned Levi Hoots, Daphne, Fall 0:42
192 pounds: Cooper Cook, Vestavia Hills won by Forfeit
217 pounds: Colton Rainer, Daphne dec. Luke Merrill, Vestavia Hills, TF 20-2
287 pounds: John David Livingston, Vestavia Hills pinned Marquaes Lambert, Daphne, Fall 3:54

Huntsville (21-3) 43, Enterprise (21-5) 24
108 pounds: Jackson Woolsey, Huntsville dec. Harvey Kahle, Enterprise, TF 24-9
115 pounds:  Elias Steely, Huntsville dec. Angel Quinones, Enterprise, TF 18-1
122 pounds: Karter Stiffler, Enterprise pinned Kiyan Simon, Huntsville, Fall 0:41
128 pounds: Cordell Lee, Huntsville dec. Paxton Hanshaw, Enterprise, Maj 12-2
134 pounds: Kameron Stiffler, Enterprise dec. Joseph Sowell, Huntsville, Dec 8-7
140 pounds: Tytorrion Gilbert, Enterprise dec. Matthew Hollis, Huntsville,  Dec 6-2
146 pounds: Grier Hunt, Enterprise dec. Aaron Phillips, Huntsville, Maj dec. 11-1
152 pounds: Yanik Simon, Huntsville pinned Aidan Wood, Enterprise, Fall 1:28
159 pounds: Bo Reynolds, Huntsville dec. Alexander Braman, Enterprise, TF 18-2
167 pounds: Kody Sigmon, Enterprise dec. Chalie Sledge, Huntsville, Dec 12-6
177 pounds: Brandon Bethea, Huntsville dec. Marcus Whiting, Enterprise, Fall 2:25
192 pounds: Gavin Whiteside, Enterprise dec. Tripp Raleigh, Huntsville, TF 18-2
217 pounds: Gavin Robkin, Huntsville won by forfeit
287 pounds: Zachary Teter, Huntsville pinned Jacob Ortiz, Enterprise, Fall 1:59

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The University of Alabama and head football coach Kalen DeBoer announced Friday that the 2025 Golden Flake A-Day Spring Game is officially scheduled for Saturday, April 12.

The annual A-Day Game is the final workout of the Crimson Tide’s spring practice slate and will take place inside Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. A start time will be announced at a later date. Additionally, more information on A-Day, including additional activities, traffic and parking will be posted on RollTide.com when it becomes available.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. –? The No. 5/6 Alabama Men’s Basketball team picked up its first win of the conference schedule with a 107-79 win over the No. 12/10 Oklahoma Sooners, Saturday night inside of a sold out Coleman Coliseum. 

Mark Sears led the team in points (22) and assists (10), achieving a pair of milestones in the performance. Sears surpassed the 1500-point mark, becoming the 18^th player in Crimson Tide history to do so, and reached the 300-assist mark as well.  

Alabama (12-2, 1-0 SEC) had five other players in double-figures as well including Labaron Philon’s 16 points, Grant Nelson (12), Derrion Reid (11), along with Aden Holloway and Clifford Omoruyi matching with 10 apiece. 

Saturday’s win marked the largest margin of victory over a ranked opponent under head coach Nate Oats and the largest since the 2004-05 season. 

The Sooners (13-1, 0-1 SEC) were led by Jalon Moore’s 20 points off 9-of-14 shooting to go with seven rebounds in 29 minutes 

Head Coach Nate Oats Postgame Comments 

“I thought our guys were pretty locked in tonight. I thought the start was good in the first half. I thought to start the game, we were really locked in on the defensive end. Jeremiah Fears, I think, only had one point at the half; he’s been their leading scorer, so I thought our guys were ready to go on him. Defensively, we were much better, then fell off a little bit in the second half when we got a lead. It’s one thing we have to work on is playing with an edge when we get a lead.  

Offensively, getting the offensive rebounds, getting 22 out of the 40 available rebounds on our offensive end is pretty solid. I thought we took advantage of some of their smaller guards on the offensive boards. I thought our guards got in there and mixed it up pretty good. Offensively, we didn’t turn it over much, we had nine.

“Mark had a double-double with 10 assists, I thought he really had the ball moving. You could really see his energy when his teammates were scoring, which is great. We need that out of him. He was more excited about getting 10 assists. I think you saw when he hit Holloway for the one three, that was his ninth and he was fired up. I was happy to see that because we talk about ‘Mudita,’ vicarious joy through others success. Mark was really happy for his teammates scoring particularly off his passes tonight.”  

“A lot of stuff to clean up, but a lot of positives on our first game. I think our nonconference schedule prepared us for these games and now we have to go on the road where we’ve been a little inconsistent. Really good first game though.”

Team Stats 

• Mark Sears finished his night with 22 points and 10 assists, giving him over 1,500 points and 300 assists during his career at Alabama 
• Sears became the 18^th player in program history to surpass the 1,500-point mark 
• The Crimson Tide dominated the glass all night long, grabbing 51 rebounds compared to Oklahoma’s 26 
• Alabama reached a new season-high for offensive rebounds as well, grabbing 22 of them 
• Grant Nelson earned his fourth double-double of the season (12 points, 11 rebounds) 
• Saturday marked the first time this season that two Alabama players posted double-doubles in the same game  
• Alabama surpassed 100 points for the fourth time this season and 25^th time in Oats’ tenure 
• The Crimson Tide shot 38-for-76 (50 percent) from the field, 9-for-29 (31 percent) from three and 22-for-30 (73 percent) from the free throw line 
• Nate Oats’ squad dominated the paint on the offensive end, scoring 56 points down low 

First Half  

• Oklahoma opened the matchup with a quick layup, but the Crimson Tide responded with a 7-0 run to take an early lead 
• After both squads traded baskets for the next eight minutes, Alabama went on another 7-0 run to push the lead to double-digits (30-16) 
• 20 of the Crimson Tide’s first 30 points came from inside the paint, with eight of them coming from Clifford Omoruyi 
• Following a scoreless 2:38 from the Sooners, a three from Chris Youngblood and a dunk by Derrion Reid ballooned the lead to an 18-point margin with five minutes to play in the half (37-19) 
• Alabama closed the half hitting four free throws in a row and holding onto its large lead (48-29) 
• Nate Oats’ squad assisted 12 of the 18 baskets made in the first half, with six of them coming from Sears 
• The Crimson Tide dominated the glass in the first period as well with 28 total rebounds, compared to Oklahoma’s 17 
• Labaron Philon led Alabama scorers with 10 points at the break, featuring a pair of three-pointers 
• The Crimson Tide had just four turnovers in the half, with none of them coming from the starting lineup 
• As a team, Alabama shot 18-for-40 (45 percent) from the field, 5-for-15 (33 percent) from three and went 7-for-10 (70 percent) from the charity stripe in the first half 

Second Half  

• Alabama started the half shooting just 3-for-11, but converted four of its first five attempts from the line 
• Reid sparked the Crimson Tide offense after a tip-in layup kicked off an 11-2 run to push Alabama’s lead to 28 points (68-40) 
• However, Oklahoma responded with an 11-4 run of its own to make it a 21-point game with just under 10 minutes left 
• After trading baskets for the next five minutes, the Crimson Tide went on a quick 8-1 run to push the lead back to 27 points at the final media timeout (93-66) 
• Alabama passed the century mark with 2:40 remaining in the half after a three-pointer by Holloway 
• The Crimson Tide closed out the game with eight of its final 14 points coming from inside the paint to secure the victory (107-79) 
• Sears led the way for Alabama in the second half, scoring 15 of his 22 points 
• The Crimson Tide dominated the glass once again in the second period, grabbing 12 offensive boards 
• Nate Oats’ squad shot 20-for-36 (56 percent) from the field, 4-for-14 from three (29 percent) and 15-for-20 (75 percent) from the charity stripe in the half 

Up Next 

• Alabama will begin its first road trip of the conference schedule against South Carolina on Wednesday, Jan. 8. 
• The matchup between the Crimson Tide and the Gamecocks will tip off at 6:00 p.m. and will air on SEC Network 

AUBURN, Ala. – For No. 2 Auburn, 2025 began the way 2024 ended, with Johni Broome leading the Tigers to a double-digit victory, one that tied Bruce Pearl for the most wins in program history.

“Nobody enjoys winning more than me, nobody hates losing more than me, and when I win I get on to the next one,” said Pearl, who tied Joel Eaves (1949-63) with win No. 213 on the Plains. “I will celebrate whatever we accomplish this year this summer. I’m on to Texas and on to the next one.  It’s great.”

One of five Tigers in double figures, Broome scored 24 points, grabbed seven rebounds and blocked four shots to lead Auburn to an 84-68 win over Missouri Saturday in the SEC opener at sold-out Neville Arena.

“Being aggressive,” said Broome, who reached the 20-point mark for the ninth time in Auburn’s 14 games. “I wanted to set the tone a little bit. My teammates and coaches ran plays to get me the ball. We have a special team. That’s a good way to start it off but we’re not satisfied.”  

Chaney Johnson scored 13 points and grabbed seven rebounds, Chad Baker-Mazara scored 13 and went 5-for-5 from the free-throw line to extend his streak to 44.

Denver Jones and Tahaad Pettiford added 10 points apiece, with Jones dishing a career-high seven assists.

Leading by 12 points at the half, Auburn opened the second half with a 12-1 run that featured Broome’s steal and layup and 3-pointers from Baker-Mazara and Jones that forced a Missouri timeout with 17:13 to play with Auburn ahead 57-34.

Pettiford’s second chance 3-pointer gave Auburn a 26-point lead before Missouri got as close as 14 down the stretch before walk-on Presley Patterson scored the game’s final points.

“Auburn is a great basketball team, I believe one of the top teams in the country,” Missouri coach Dennis Gates said. “You can tell the chip they have on their shoulders. I have the utmost respect for Bruce Pearl. He had his team ready to play in the SEC opener.”

Broome got off to a fast start, scoring seven of Auburn’s first nine points before the first media timeout.

“Johni Broome is a load down there and he’s so unselfish,” Pearl said. 

When Missouri adjusted by double-teaming Broome, Johni adjusted by firing a one-handed, crosscourt pass to Baker-Mazara, who made his third 4-point play in the past two games to give Auburn a 17-11 lead.

“We work on it all the time in practice,” Broome said. “I saw him, and then I got trapped. I trusted him, I threw it and he made a bucket.”

Missouri tried a zone defense for two possessions, but Auburn made the visiting Tigers pay with 3-pointers from Jahki Howard and Miles Kelly.

Seven Tigers made 3-pointers in the first half to help Auburn take a 45-33 lead at intermission. 

Auburn shot 47.6 percent from 3-point range, making 10 of 21 attempts. 

“We have some great shooters on the team,” Johnson said. “We share the ball and we trust each other. Ball movement, people getting open shots, we’re going to hit.”

Auburn (13-1, 1-0) travels for its next two games beginning with its first conference visit to Texas to take on the Longhorns Tuesday at 8 p.m. CT on ESPN2 and the Auburn Sports Network. 

“It’s a shorter prep and we’ll get ourselves ready to go,” Pearl said. “I think we can play better on the road. We have to. Texas is really talented, one of the most talented teams in our league.”

Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on X: @jeff_shearer

POSTGAME NOTES

• With the win, Auburn improved to 13-1 on the season. It marked the eighth time in program history the Tigers have won at least 13 of their first 14 games in a season including the fourth time in the last eight seasons.

• Auburn has now won seven-straight games against SEC opponents after winning its last six games against SEC opponents last season – three to end the regular season and three to claim the SEC Tournament title before opening SEC play with an 84-68 win over Missouri on Saturday.

• Auburn now leads 9-6 in the all-time series with Missouri having won the last five-straight meetings. The Tigers lead 5-1 in Auburn, including 5-0 under Pearl, with all six games be played at Neville Arena.

• The Tigers saw 9,121 fans pack Neville Arena for the 62nd-consecutive sellout at the venue.

• The win marked Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl’s 213th victory in his 11 seasons on the Plains, which tied him with Joel Eaves, who won 213 games leading the Tigers for 14 seasons from 1949-50 through 1962-63, for the most career coaching wins in program history.

• Auburn held Missouri to a season-low 68 points as Mizzou entered the game as one of only four teams in the country to score at least 75 points in every game this season.

• For the 12th-straight game, AU went with the starting lineup of Denver Jones, Miles Kelly, Chad Baker-Mazara, Johni Broome and Dylan Cardwell. Jones, Baker-Mazara, Broome and Cardwell have started all 14 games this season.

• The Missouri game was the 10th time Auburn has held a double-digit halftime lead this season including the sixth-straight game. The Tigers led Missouri, 45-33, at halftime.

• Auburn shot 57.1 percent from the floor and 10-of-21 from 3-point range, matching the most 3-point field goals Missouri has allowed this season. It was the seventh time the Tigers have shot at least 50 percent this season and the eighth time they have made double-digit 3-pointers.

• Johni Broome led five Auburn players in double figures with a game-high 24 points to go with seven rebounds, four blocks, two assists and one steal.  It was Broome’s ninth 20-point game of the season. He passed Jaylin Williams to move into 21st on Auburn’s career scoring list and became the 21st player in Auburn history to score 1,300 career points, finishing the day with 1,303 points in his Auburn career. Broome tallied 13 points in the first half, the seventh time this season he has scored in double figures before halftime.

• Chad Baker-Mazara and Chaney Johnson scored 13 points apiece. Baker-Mazara finished 3-of-4 from the floor, including 2-of-3 from long range. He was a perfect 5-of-5 from the foul line to up his school record to 44-straight made free throws. He added three rebounds, three steals and two assists. It was also his 11th game in double figures this season and the 43rd of his career.

• Johnson finished the game 5-of-7 on field goals, including making his only 3-point attempt, and 2-of-2 from the foul line. He grabbed seven rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block. Johnson surpassed the 1,500-point mark in his career, finishing the day with 1,509 points. It was his seventh game in double figures this season and his third career SEC game in double figures.

• Denver Jones and Tahaad Pettiford each scored 10 points in the win. Jones contributed seven assists, one rebound and only two turnovers to go with 3-of-7 shooting overall, including a pair of 3-pointers, and 2-of-2 from the foul line. It was Jones’ 11th game in double figures this season and the 72nd of his career.

• Pettiford scored in double figures for the seventh time in his first 14 career games for the Tigers as he made a pair of 3-pointers to go with two assists and one steal.

• Chris Moore’s 129th career game ties him with Scott Pohlman and Frank Ford for sixth in program history.

• Miles Kelly matched his season high with five rebounds which he also brought down against Richmond on Dec. 8.