623365688 1312476530919589 5321578322227826462 N E1770057387609 — Labaron Philon against Missouri (University of Alabama Athletics)

Less than a year, ESPN’s College Gameday came to town to feature the first ever No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup in SEC men’s college basketball history.

That game put the Iron Bowl of Basketball on the national stage as both Alabama and Auburn were in the midst of historic seasons.

But things are a little different this year. And for the first time since 2021, neither team will be ranked when the rivalry takes the court Saturday afternoon at Neville Arena.

AP Top 25

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For the first time this season, the Associated Press Poll does not include Alabama or Auburn but both teams are just on the outside of the top 25 and the rivalry could send the winner back into the rankings.

After a blowout loss to Florida, the Crimson Tide received just 48 points in the poll which was good enough to come in at No. 27. It ends Alabama’s streak of consecutive polls being ranked at 42, the second longest streak in program history.

Meanwhile, Auburn saw a four-game winning streak snapped with a loss at Tennessee. The Tigers have still not been ranked since Dec. 15 and they dropped two more spots in the “others receiving votes” category to No. 33 overall.

Iron Bowl of Basketball

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The Iron Bowl of Basketball rivalry has become accustomed to seeing highly-ranked teams featured.

The last nine meetings featured at least one team ranked in the top 15. In 14 of the last 17 meetings, at least one team was ranked in the top 20.

Let’s take a moment for basketball fans from both schools that made it this far after surviving the 49-37 days of 2013. We did it.

But even with no numbers by their names for this weekend’s game, the rivalry is likely to have a big impact on the SEC standings and both teams’ NCAA Tournament resumes.

“The Iron Bowl of Basketball. It’s always important no matter where you’re at whether you’re No. 1 or No. 2 or right in the middle of the league… it’s an incredibly important game. It’s important to our fans, it’s important to their fans.”
Steven Pearl, Auburn head coach

Alabama has to host conference leader Texas A&M before turning their attention to Auburn. Meanwhile, the Tigers do not have a midweek game and will be waiting for the Tide to arrive in hostile territory.

Here’s what you need to know before tip-off: