Welcome to “The Daily Scoop”, an article to bring you up to date with the latest news from college basketball and a preview of the day ahead.

Daily Headlines

The Iron Bowl: Basketball

Auburn and Alabama tipped off last night’s game with the lights off, and Johni Broome even hit a three before the game reached a delay. Auburn led 12-4 before Mark Sears scored or assisted on five straight Alabama baskets to give the Crimson Tide a 17-16 lead. Rylan Griffen and Latrell Wrightsell Jr. combined for 9-16 from behind the arc and were a big reason the Crimson Tide came away with the win. Auburn came all the way back after a 14-point halftime deficit, but Alabama held on for a 79-75 win. Sears continued to stake his claim for SEC Player of the Year, finishing with 22 points, five rebounds, and eight assists.

The Battle for Chicago’s Big Ten Team

Illinois and Northwestern put on a show in the second half in Evanston last night. The game had stalled in the second half before Boo Buie hit a three to cut Illinois’ lead to one with 6:55 to play. The following seven minutes were back-and-forth, with four lead changes and four ties. Buie scored with 23 seconds left in regulation to send the game to overtime, then took over in the extra period. Northwestern scored the first nine points of overtime and Buie scored eight of his 29 in overtime. The Wildcats won 96-91 and avenged their 30-point loss in Champaign.

San Francisco / Gonzaga has huge implications on either side

San Francisco heads into tonight’s game in Spokane with a lot to prove following a 77-60 home loss to Saint Mary’s. The Dons have good metrics but will need to compile some quality wins if they want to grab an at-large bid. Tonight’s matchup in Spokane is one of just four Quad 1/2 games left on their schedule. Gonzaga is in a similar place with just five Quad 1/2 opportunities left. The Zags 24-year NCAA tournament streak could be in grave danger with a loss tonight. Catch the WCC heavyweight battle on ESPN2 at 9:00 ET tonight.

Other Things to Note:

• Samford’s NCAA-leading 17-game winning streak was snapped last night at Furman
• Georgia continues their quest for a tournament berth after Russel Tchewa’s game-winner
• Jahmir Young completes Maryland’s comeback win at Iowa
• Missouri State’s Alston Mason scores 36 in upset win over Drake
• Eric Musselman’s Razorbacks continue to falter with 77-51 loss at Ole Miss
• Two America East unbeatens meet in Lowell tonight (Vermont @ UMass-Lowell, 6:30 ET, ESPN+)
• Oregon hosts Arizona State tonight after two tough road losses (9:00 ET, PACN)