Alabama 87, Auburn 85: Tide Wins The Feud Basketball Exhibition (2026 Recap)

Alabama 87, Auburn 85. Alabama men’s basketball beat Auburn in “The Feud” exhibition on Thursday, Oct. 22, at Legacy Arena in Birmingham. Amari Allen scored 23 points, 18 of them after halftime, and Qayden Samuels added 20. Alabama finished the preseason 3-0. The game does not count toward the official record.

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How did Alabama beat Auburn?

Defense and finishing. Alabama had 12 steals and 8 blocks, its most of the preseason. It scored 16 points off 17 Auburn turnovers and won the paint 34-22.

Auburn opened on a 7-0 run. Alabama’s first nine points all came on three-pointers. Auburn led 31-25 midway through the first half before Samuels hit a three at 3:10 to give Alabama a 37-36 lead. Alabama led 44-41 at halftime. Samuels had 14 points at the break.

The second half swung back and forth. Alabama led 58-51 with 11:57 left. Auburn answered with an 11-2 run to lead 62-60. Tarris Bouie hit a three, and Alabama later scored eight straight, including a Brandon Garrison and-one dunk. Allen hit a three at the 5:00 mark to tie it 76-76. With the game tied 80-80, Allen converted an and-one layup for an 83-80 lead. Samuels hit a contested floater with 36 seconds left to put Alabama up three, and Alabama made 4 of its last 6 free throws to close it.

Auburn’s Kevin Overton led all scorers with 26 points and made 6 of 13 threes. Auburn’s Tahaad Pettiford fouled out with 3:04 left. Four technical fouls were called: Allen and Garrison for Alabama, Caleb Williams and George Kimble III for Auburn. The game also had two scuffles, one early and one near the end, which the coaches broke up.

The weak spot was the glass. Auburn grabbed 22 offensive rebounds. Nate Oats said after the game, “We did not play very well but we figured out a way to win the game” (rolltide.com).

Score by half

Team	1st half	2nd half	Final
Auburn	41	44	85
Alabama	44	43	87

Key stats: Alabama vs. Auburn

Stat	Alabama	Auburn
Field goal %	42%	—
3-point %	32%	—
Total rebounds	42	51
Offensive rebounds	—	22
Steals	12	—
Blocks	8	—
Turnovers committed	—	17
Points off turnovers	16	—
Points in the paint	34	22
Leading scorer	Amari Allen, 23	Kevin Overton, 26

Other Alabama scorers named in reports: Tarris Bouie 14 points; Keitenn Bristow 9 points, 8 rebounds and 4 blocks. Dashes mark stats not published in the official recap.

Who does Alabama play next?

The regular season opens against Sam Houston on Tuesday, Nov. 3, at 6:30 p.m. CT in Coleman Coliseum. Tickets start at $25, per rolltide.com.

Before that, it’s homecoming weekend. Alabama football hosts Texas A&M on Saturday, Oct. 24, at 2:30 p.m. CT on ABC. See our Texas A&M at Alabama preview and the full SEC Saturday schedule. Volleyball hosts Arkansas (6 p.m.) and soccer hosts Tennessee (7 p.m.) tonight, both on SEC Network+.

Where should you watch Alabama games in Tuscaloosa?

Start with our guide to sports bars in Tuscaloosa and the wider Tuscaloosa bars guide. For tonight’s deals, check Tuscaloosa bar and food specials for Friday, Oct. 23.

You must be 21 to drink. Get home safe: UA’s 348-RIDE runs at 205-348-7433, or use a rideshare app.

FAQ

What was the final score of Alabama vs. Auburn in The Feud?

Alabama won 87-85 on Oct. 22, 2026, at Legacy Arena in Birmingham. Alabama led 44-41 at halftime.

Does the Alabama-Auburn exhibition count in the series record?

No. It was a preseason exhibition and does not count toward either team’s official record. The two teams meet in the regular season on Jan. 30 and March 6.

When is Alabama basketball’s season opener?

Tuesday, Nov. 3, at 6:30 p.m. CT against Sam Houston in Coleman Coliseum.

Scores and statistics are from the official recap on rolltide.com; total rebounds and Bouie’s points are from Tide 100.9. Own a bar or restaurant near campus? Sponsor our game recaps.