Will McLelland-Imagn Images

Nate Oats Sends Blunt Message to Mark Sears, Grant Nelson

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Zachary Howell | Last updated Feb 15, 2025 12:57 PM ET

The Alabama Crimson Tide take on the Auburn Tigers this afternoon in an SEC clash of the top two ranked teams in the nation. Both teams have been dominant this season and this game could go a long way in determining what the first seeds in the NCAA Tournament look like.

Alabama head coach Nate Oats is entering the matchup with one key message; take care of the basketball. Oats spoke with On3's Charlie Potter and other media yesterday and emphasized the level of Auburn's defense, saying that the game could come down to the turnover margins.

"We need Mark Sears and Grant Nelson to stop turning the ball over. That's what needs to happen," said Oats about the keys to the game.

That's easier said than done, however, especially against the Auburn defense that generates 7.5 steals per game. Nelson and Sears both average more than two turnovers each per contest so far this season, but the Crimson Tide can't afford to give the Tigers any extra possessions.

This matchup features two of the older rosters in all of college basketball at the top of the league, led by two fifth year players in Mark Sears and Johni Broome that are vying for the Wooden Award, given to the top player in the country.

Today's matchup features two programs from schools known for football to determine the top spot in the rankings and the SEC, so both squads have a lot to play for in a game with big implications as the regular season approaches its finale.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: