Basketball in the South is different. It’s loud, it’s petty, and when it’s a rivalry game, records basically fly out the window. If you’re checking your phone this morning asking who won the game last night Alabama, the answer isn't what the Crimson Tide faithful wanted to hear.
In a gritty, defensive slugfest at Neville Arena on January 15, 2026, the No. 21 Alabama women’s basketball team fell to the Auburn Tigers with a final score of 58-54.
It wasn't pretty. Honestly, it was a bit of a car crash for most of the night if you like high-scoring offenses. Alabama, a team that usually scores in bunches, was held nearly 20 points below their season average. Auburn’s first-year head coach Larry Vickers—who showed up looking sharp in a suit—got his first taste of the Iron Bowl of basketball and walked away with the game ball.
Breaking Down the Score: Who Won the Game Last Night Alabama?
The atmosphere in Auburn was electric. You’ve got to give credit to the Tigers' defense; they made Alabama work for every single inch of hardwood. Alabama (17-2, 3-2 SEC) entered the game as the ranked favorite, but Auburn played like a team with absolutely nothing to lose and everything to prove.
The game was a back-and-forth affair that saw Alabama struggle with uncharacteristic turnovers. Coach Kristy Curry didn't mince words after the game, noting that the Tide’s pace was off and they gave up too many critical offensive rebounds. When you're on the road in the SEC, those little things become massive mountains.
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The Box Score Reality
Alabama actually outshot Auburn from the floor slightly—44% to 42%—but the charity stripe told the real story. Auburn was clinical. They went 12-of-14 from the free-throw line, including a perfect 10-for-10 in the fourth quarter. Alabama? They struggled, hitting only 5-of-8. In a four-point game, those missed opportunities haunt you.
- Alabama: 54
- Auburn: 58
Jessica Timmons did her best to carry the load for the Tide, finishing with 16 points. She even hit a massive 28-foot triple with about 30 seconds left to cut the lead to two. For a second, it felt like Alabama might pull off a miracle. But a late charging foul called on Timmons with four seconds left effectively ended the comeback hopes.
Why the Tide Struggled in Neville Arena
It wasn't just the shooting. Alabama turned the ball over 18 times. You can't do that. Not against an Auburn team that was forcing the issue from the opening tip. The Tigers converted those mistakes into 18 points, which is basically the margin of the game right there.
Karly Weathers was a bright spot for Alabama, recording her first double-double of the season with 10 points and 11 rebounds. She fought hard in the paint, helping Alabama outscore Auburn 26-22 in the "dirty areas," but it wasn't enough to offset the cold perimeter shooting. Alabama went just 5-of-20 from beyond the arc. That's 25%. Kinda hard to win when the long ball isn't falling.
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A Quick Look at Other Alabama Scores
If you were looking for the men’s team, they didn't play last night. Their most recent big headline was that 89-74 dismantling of Kentucky earlier in the month, where Aden Holloway went off for 26 points.
Also, for those checking in on the broader "Alabama" sports scene, the University of North Alabama (UNA) was also in action last night. Their men's team lost a high-scoring 105-91 game to North Florida, while the UNA women managed a close 56-54 win over the Ospreys.
What This Means for Alabama Moving Forward
This loss is a setback, but it’s not a season-ender. Alabama is still 17-2. That’s a phenomenal record. However, the SEC is a meat grinder this year. Dropping a game to an unranked rival hurts the "resume," but it serves as a wake-up call regarding ball security and road intensity.
Auburn, on the other hand, just secured their first top-25 win since 2024. For them, this is a program-defining moment under Vickers. For Alabama, it's a "burn the tape" kind of night.
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Next Steps for the Crimson Tide
Alabama doesn't have much time to pout. They head back to Tuscaloosa to host No. 20 Tennessee this Sunday. That’s the "We Back Pat" game, and the energy will be through the roof.
If you're following the Tide, here's what to watch for in the next matchup:
- Watch the turnover count: If they stay above 15, they’re in trouble against the Lady Vols.
- Free throw consistency: They need to get to the line more and actually convert.
- Jessica Timmons’ Volume: She’s the engine. Expect her to come out aggressive after that late-game charge.
The answer to who won the game last night Alabama might be a bitter pill for Tide fans today, but the season is long, and the bounce-back opportunity is only 48 hours away. Keep an eye on the injury reports heading into Sunday, as the physical toll of the Auburn game was clearly visible on several players.