This stat will decide Auburn's matchup with Alabama

Auburn needs to do this to beat the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Auburn vs. Alabama is the best rivalry in college football but is quickly becoming one of the best in college hoops. 

Both of these programs have struggled some through the year's making this rivalry on the hardwood not all that interesting, but Bruce Pearl and Nate Oats have changed that narrative over the last handful of seasons. The Iron Bowl of basketball is quickly becoming one of the best rivalries in the sport, and college basketball fans are taking notice. 

Looking at this game, you can expect a lot of offense. Alabama is second in the SEC, scoring 89.2 points per game, with Auburn right on their tail, scoring 83.7 a game. The difference between these teams is Auburn plays excellent defense, and the Crimson Tide struggle on that end of the floor. The stat that will decide this game is how Alabama shoots from three. The Crimson Tide shoot 29 three-point attempts a game, which is good for the 12th most in college basketball. Auburn has defended the three-ball well this season as opponents are shooting 29.1% from deep against Bruce Pearl's squad, which is 20th best in college basketball. If Alabama is hitting their threes, they are hard to beat. If Auburn defends the three-point line well and the Crimson Tide aren't hitting circus shots, the Tigers win this game. 

Coach Pearl had this to say about Alabama's offense and three-point shooting, "They're one of the best offensive teams in the country," Pearl said about Alabama. "One of the best 3-point shooting teams in the country, Nate (Oats) has always had a great offensive mind and concepts."

This will be a really good basketball game that would give the Auburn Tigers a Quad 1 win if they leave Tuscaloosa with a win.