Dick Vitale weighs how Alabama-Auburn rivalry relates to Duke-North Carolina

Whenever Duke and North Carolina get together, the rivalry takes center stage in college basketball. Saturday is the latest example as Chapel Hill plays host. But a couple of hours beforehand brings another great rivalry between Alabama and Auburn. It’s the first of what should be many matchups between Nate Oats and Steven Pearl.

Not too long ago saw Oats go up against the eldest Pearl, Bruce. Some classic games were produced between them and put the Iron Bowl of Basketball on the national stage. Enough to where Dick Vitale weighed how Alabama-Auburn compares to Duke-North Carolina just ahead of tip-off from Neville Arena.

“It’s stepped up as one of the best,” Vitale said. “So intense. Got very competitive teams all the time and super players. Think about this game. We’ve got the No. 1 and two scorers in the conference here. And we’ve got the toughest schedule in America, No. 1 by Bama, and No. 2 in Auburn.”

You will be hard-pressed to find anyone arguing against Duke-Carolina taking the No. 1 spot. A term you usually hear during the broadcast is “This game always delivers.” More often than not, that turns out to be true. No matter where either one of the Blue Devils and Tar Heels is ranked heading into the game, something dramatic finds a way to be produced.

But the battle for runner-up is certainly up for debate. Corey Alexander, also on the ESPN2 broadcast, went on to say Alabama-Auburn is the SEC’s top rivalry. Another big statement, especially since a game like Kentucky–Tennessee is also slated to take place on Saturday. Recent history tells us a lot is on the line during these Iron Bowl matchups.

Since Oats took over in Tuscaloosa, both Alabama and Auburn have been among the best in the SEC. Between league titles and success in the NCAA Tournament, the Yellowhammer State has become basketball-crazed. At the same time, there is nothing more natural between the two than hating each other. That was a given, even if the level of play is not too high.

Vitale is certainly a believer when bringing it up in a national conversation. Hopefully, Saturday’s matchup can come through once again and produce a classic. We got one last time Alabama went to Neville Arena, getting a Mark Sears game-winning shot on Senior Night, followed by some prolonged celebrations in front of the fans.