Coleman Stepping Up Ahead Of Rivalry Game Vs. Auburn

Auburn at Alabama

When: 7:30 p.m.

Where: Coleman Coliseum

Records: Alabama 12-6, 2-3 SEC; Auburn 10-8, 2-3 SEC

TV: SEC Network

Radio: 95.3 The Bear

It wasn’t quite enough to lead them all the way back, but it was enough to help keep things interesting.

Ultimately, Alabama lost at the buzzer in Thursday’s 93-91 overtime loss at Arkansas but had it not been for freshman Justin Coleman’s performance, it may not have been close.

Coleman, a Birmingham native, led the Crimson Tide with a career-high 22 points, including 5-of-7 shooting from 3-point range. His entire scoring output came after halftime.

Coach Anthony Grant is optimistic Coleman can have similar performances this season, beginning with Auburn on Saturday night.

“He's a guy that, every day brings a level of energy and passion for the game,” Grant said in a video interview provided by the Alabama sports information staff Friday. “(He's a) really hard worker. As a freshman, it's great to see him go in that environment and do what he did. I think it'll be a great confidence booster for him. He's a guy that could really help our team as we continue to progress through the SEC.”

Coleman can’t be the only player to step up for the Crimson Tide against the Tigers, though.

Auburn, led by first-year coach Bruce Pearl, enters the contest having lost two out of its last three games but has at least one notable scoring threat and another on the boards – an area Alabama has struggled as of late.

Guard KT Harrell ranks second in the SEC in scoring with 17.3 points per game, while forward Cinmeon Bowers is first in rebounding at 11.6 per game.

“We've got to be able to do a great job on those two guys,” Grant said. “It'll need to be a team effort to get this one done.”

Alabama is 90-59 all-time against the Tigers, which includes wins in seven of the last nine games in the series and five straight home victories. Saturday’s game, the Crimson Tide’s second consecutive sellout at home, will mark the 150th meeting between the two schools.

“You want to create as hostile a home environment as possible,” Grant said. “I think it helps everything, in terms of the energy of your team, just the overall appearance of your program. I think it makes a big difference, so we certainly appreciate all of our fans coming out and showing support for our program.”