Reviewed by: Pat Byington
Alabama, Auburn get major road tests for 2024 SEC/ACC Challenge
The SEC/ACC Challenge has been announced for the 2024 men’s college basketball season and both of our in-state programs will be featured in two of the most anticipated matchups.
Alabama and Auburn will both be headed to Tobacco Road to square off against two of the most prestigious teams in college basketball history. Here’s what you need to know:
- Wednesday, December 4
- Alabama at North Carolina
- Auburn at Duke
Keep reading to find out what we already know about both matchups + check out what other games will be featured in this season’s SEC/ACC Challenge.
Crimson Tide vs. Tar Heels
Alabama enters the 2024 season with possibly more hype than any team in the country. Returning players include Mark Sears, Grant Nelson and Latrell Wrightsell with several newcomers joining, hoping to improve on last season’s Final Four run.
During that postseason run, the Crimson Tide defeated top-seeded North Carolina in the Sweet 16. They also played against each other in 2022 when Alabama won a triple overtime thriller.
Those two teams will meet again in December, this time in front of an arena covered in Carolina blue. Here’s a quick rundown of how the two teams have fared in the past:
- Series: UNC leads 8-7
- Streak: Alabama has won 2 straight
- Last: Alabama 89, UNC 87 — March 28, 2024
- Last at UNC: UNC 95, Alabama 79 — December 15, 1990
Tigers vs. Blue Devils
While Auburn’s NCAA Tournament run ended sooner than fans would’ve liked, the Tigers still had a successful season that included winning the SEC Tournament title for the third time.
Auburn will be facing one of its toughest road trips during the Bruce Pearl era when the team heads to Cameron Indoor Stadium.
“Personally, coaching in Cameron Indoor Stadium against head coach Jon Scheyer and the Duke Basketball program will be extremely meaningful to me. I know that it will be the same for our players and coaching staff.”
~ Auburn coach Bruce Pearl
The Tigers have never defeated Duke but have only faced them four times, including once under Pearl in 2018. Here’s some of the history behind the matchup:
- Series: Duke 4-0
- Streak: Duke has won 4 straight
- Last: Duke 78, Auburn 72 — November 20, 2018
- Last at Duke: Duke 72, Auburn 71 — December 30, 1981
2024 SEC/ACC Challenge
The full list of matchups for the SEC/ACC Challenge has been released for both men’s and women’s basketball.
On the women’s side, Alabama will travel across the country to play at California while Auburn will play at Virginia. Both games are slated for Thursday, December 5.
Tip-off times and television assignments will be announced closer to the start of the season.
Which game are you most excited about watching in the SEC/ACC Challenge? Let us know by tagging The Bama Buzz on Instagram, X, Facebook + LinkedIn while you’re at it!
