AUBURN, Ala. (Interstat) — The intensity of the Southeastern Conference race collides with one of college basketball’s fiercest rivalries Saturday when the Alabama Crimson Tide visits the Auburn Tigers at Auburn Arena.

Alabama (15-7, 5-4 SEC) enters having won four of its last five, including a 100-97 shootout victory over Texas A&M on Wednesday. The Crimson Tide’s high-octane offense, averaging over 88 points per game in conference play, will test an Auburn defense that has been stout at home.

The Tigers (14-8, 5-4), however, have found their footing after a tough non-conference stretch, winning four of their last six SEC contests. Their most recent outing was a 77-69 loss at Tennessee last Saturday. Auburn is 10-2 at home this season, with its only conference loss at Auburn Arena coming in a narrow 90-88 defeat to Texas A&M on Jan. 6.

The spotlight will be on the backcourt, featuring two of the league’s most dynamic guards. Alabama’s Aden Holloway is coming off a 20-point, 4-assist performance in the win over Texas A&M and has scored 19 or more in three of his last five games. His playmaking and scoring burst are central to the Tide’s attack.

He will be matched by Auburn’s standout, Keyshawn Hall, who is averaging 24.2 points over his last five games. Hall erupted for 31 points in a win over Texas and 30 in a victory over Arkansas earlier in January. His ability to score at all three levels makes him the focal point of the Tigers’ offense.

Historically, the home team has dominated this series, with Auburn winning the last three meetings on its home floor. The teams will meet again in the regular-season finale on March 7 in Tuscaloosa.

Beyond the rivalry stakes, both teams are jockeying for position in a crowded SEC standings and seeking to bolster their NCAA tournament resumes. Alabama’s potent offense, ranked among the nation’s best, against Auburn’s rugged home defense sets the stage for a classic confrontation.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST Saturday. The game will be televised nationally on ESPN.