Alabama basketball survives rebounding struggles vs Auburn, but can it last?

BIRMINGHAM — Alabama basketball's greatest challenge of its exhibition slate undoubtedly came from its greatest rival.

In the foes' first ever preseason meeting, played on Thursday, Oct. 22 at Legacy Arena, the Crimson Tide emerged with an 87-85 victory.

Here are five instant takeaways from the rivals' first showdown in Birmingham in over 41 years.

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Qayden Samuels, Keitenn Bristow keep Alabama in game in dicey first half

As Alabama trailed for over 13 minutes in the first half, Samuels, the freshman out of Bishop McNamara, continued to deliver the baskets the Crimson Tide needed to prevent Auburn from making a habit out of runs like the 7-0 one the Tigers had early.

Samuels' offensive production, going 4-for-11 for 14 points, was complemented by nine points from Bristow (3-for-4), but the returning forward's defense was most critical. Bristow had five rebounds, two blocks and a steal in 15 minutes in the first half.

Rebounding struggles resurface early

Alabama went into the locker room down four on the glass, but about eight minutes earlier, the Crimson Tide was getting pounded 19-11 on the glass, helping Auburn to a 31-25 lead.

UA led 29-28 in defensive rebounds. Still, a 20-13 deficit in offensive rebounds by the buzzer showed as Alabama gave up 20 points off of rebounds.

Two newcomers make debuts for Crimson Tide

Freshmen Jaxon Richardson, a forward and son of NBA former Jason Richardson, and TJ St. Louis, a center, took the floor in crimson for the first time against one of the most anticipated opponents for an Alabama rookie.

Richardson and St. Louis were both limited. St. Louis didn't return to the floor after being subbed out with 11:45 in the first half following a block with 12:04 to halftime. Richardson was subbed in twice in the first half, in which he had a block, and returned with 13 minutes left in the second half to add a steal.

Alabama steals give security on the scoreboard

Of 17 Auburn turnovers, 12 came from Crimson Tide steals.

Alabama capitalized with 16 points off of turnovers, although Auburn got to benefit from Alabama's own lack of ball security. The Crimson Tide's 14 turnovers didn't prove as costly.

Tarris Bouie makes for tough night at one-line for Alabama

Six of Bouie's teammates missed just one free throw on the night. Amari Allen went 7-for-9. Bouie went 5-for-11, contributing largely to Alabama's 63.9% completion rate from the charity stripe as Auburn converted 26 of 34 free throw attempts.