How Alabama vs. Auburn became a basketball game between national title contenders is a story no one saw coming.

Three hours southeast, Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl was in a similar state. "This doesn't work!" he yelled at his players ...

It's a historic matchup in Tuscaloosa as No. 1 Auburn takes on No. 2 Alabama, the first 1-2 matchup in SEC history.

I was fortunate to be the sideline reporter inside United Supermarkets Arena for CBS Sports Network ... CBS Sports Top 25 And 1 daily college basketball rankings, where Auburn remains No.