Rivalry games in the SEC just hit differently. If you were searching for what was Alabama score yesterday, you probably caught the aftermath of a slugfest.
On Thursday, January 15, 2026, the No. 21 Alabama Crimson Tide women's basketball team headed down to Auburn for a showdown at Neville Arena. It wasn't the offensive clinic fans were hoping for. In fact, it was a gritty, defensive grind that saw the Crimson Tide fall to the Auburn Tigers with a final score of 58-54.
Losing to your biggest rival is never easy. Doing it when you’re ranked and they aren’t? That stings a bit more.
Why the Alabama Score Yesterday Caught Fans Off Guard
Honestly, the Tide came into this one with a lot of momentum. They were sitting at 17-2. They had been scoring at a high clip all season. But the Tigers’ defense turned the game into a rock fight. Auburn held Alabama nearly 20 points below their season average. That is a massive defensive statement.
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If you look at the box score, it’s a story of "what ifs." Alabama actually clawed their way back late. They trailed by nine early in the fourth quarter. Then, they went on a blistering 12-2 run. For a brief moment, with about five minutes left on the clock, Alabama actually took a 49-48 lead. You could feel the shift.
But Auburn didn’t blink.
The Tigers responded with an 8-2 spurt of their own. They iced the game at the charity stripe, going a perfect 10-for-10 from the free-throw line in the final frame.
Key Stats From the Matchup
- Final Score: Auburn 58, Alabama 54
- Alabama's Record: Now 17-3 overall (3-2 in SEC play)
- Auburn's Record: Moves to 13-6 (2-3 in SEC play)
- The Turn: Alabama led 49-48 with 5:14 remaining but couldn't hold on.
What’s Going On with the Men's Team?
If you were looking for a football score or a men's basketball result, the timeline is a little different. The football season wrapped up with a tough 38-3 loss to Indiana in the Rose Bowl back on New Year's Day. Yeah, that one still hurts to talk about.
On the men's basketball side, Nate Oats and his squad didn't play yesterday. Their last outing was a dominant 97-82 win over Mississippi State on Tuesday, January 13. Labaron Philon was an absolute flamethrower in that game, dropping 32 points.
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The men are currently gearing up for a massive road test. They travel to Norman to take on Oklahoma tomorrow, Saturday, January 17, at the Lloyd Noble Center. That game is a big deal for SEC standings, so keep an eye on the 1:00 PM CT tip-off on the SEC Network.
The Bigger Picture for Alabama Athletics
It's been a week of highs and lows in Tuscaloosa. The women's team is still in a great position for a deep tournament run, despite the setback on the Plains. Coach Kristy Curry has this team playing with a lot of heart, and Ace Austin continues to be a focal point in the paint, even when shots aren't falling for the rest of the perimeter.
The struggle yesterday was really about efficiency. Alabama only shot 34% from the floor. You aren't going to win many SEC road games shooting like that. Auburn’s Kaitlyn Duhon was a pest on defense all night, and though she fouled out late, her impact was already felt.
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What’s Next for the Tide?
- Women's Basketball: They’ll need to regroup quickly to protect their Top 25 ranking. Look for them to focus on ball security and finding better looks in transition in their next practice.
- Men's Basketball: All eyes are on Norman. If they can beat Oklahoma on the road, they’ll solidify their spot as a top-tier SEC contender this year.
- Fan Prep: If you’re heading to the Oklahoma game or watching from home, check the local listings as the SEC Network schedule can be finicky with weekend triple-headers.
The loss to Auburn is a reminder that in this conference, records don't matter once the ball is tipped. Alabama has the talent to bounce back, but yesterday was a clear reminder that they can't afford slow starts in hostile environments.
To stay ahead of the next tip-off, make sure to sync your calendar with the official Alabama Athletics schedule. The men's game against Oklahoma tomorrow is the next major hurdle, and a win there would go a long way in washing out the taste of yesterday's loss on the Plains.