Bruce Pearl and Auburn Players Hit the Crimson Crane at Halfcourt After No. 1 Auburn’s Victory Over No. 2 Alabama

Bruce Pearl and Auburn Players Hit the Crimson Crane at Halfcourt After No. 1 Auburn’s Victory Over No. 2 Alabama

Auburn’s dominant victory over No. 2 Alabama wasn’t just another win—it was a statement. And what better way to celebrate than by throwing it right back at the Crimson Tide?

After securing the hard-fought victory, Bruce Pearl and his Auburn players gathered at halfcourt in front of a raucous home crowd and hit Alabama’s own signature celebration—the Crimson Crane—sending a clear message that the Tigers are the team to beat.

Turning the Tide: Auburn’s Dominance

This highly anticipated matchup between the top two teams in the country lived up to the hype, but from the opening tip, Auburn played with a level of energy and intensity that Alabama struggled to match.

Johni Broome dominated inside, Jaylin Williams stepped up in clutch moments, and Tre Donaldson brought the fire on both ends. Alabama had no answers for Auburn’s physicality, and by the time the final buzzer sounded, the Tigers had secured a defining win that will be remembered for years to come.

Hitting the Crane: Auburn’s Perfect Response

The Crimson Crane celebration, made famous by Alabama basketball in recent years, has been a source of both entertainment and controversy. Used by the Tide to mark their biggest moments, it’s been a staple of their swagger under Nate Oats.

But on this night, Auburn turned the tables. As the Tigers celebrated at halfcourt, Bruce Pearl himself joined his players in hitting the Crimson Crane, igniting the home crowd and putting an exclamation point on the victory.

“We respect Alabama, but tonight was our night,” Pearl said with a grin. “I told the guys to enjoy this moment, and I guess they took that to heart!”

Alabama’s Reaction & What’s Next

While Alabama players left the court in frustration, Nate Oats’ squad will undoubtedly use this as fuel heading into the latter half of the season. The Tide remain a national powerhouse, and if these two teams meet again in the SEC Tournament or March Madness, expect fireworks.

As for Auburn, the win solidifies their status as the No. 1 team in the country. With Bruce Pearl leading the charge, this team has its sights set on something bigger than just a rivalry win—an NCAA Championship.

One thing’s for sure: Alabama won’t forget this moment anytime soon. And if Auburn keeps winning, expect more signature celebrations—whether it’s the Crimson Crane or something entirely their own.