For Alabama men's basketball to avoid letting the Auburn loss turn into more down the stretch of an SEC gauntlet, here's what needs to be done.

Auburn’s run followed Alabama (21-4, 10-2 SEC) getting the score to 35-33, but being unable to affect the scoring column any further. The visitors used the cushion to race to a double-digit advantage in the second half’s early going, leading 55-41 with 15:45 to play.

Auburn was ranked No. 1 once again in the USA TODAY Coaches Poll, which was released Monday, securing all 31 first-place votes as the Crimson Tide slipped to No. 4. In the AP Top 25 Poll, the Tigers secured 59 of 60 possible first-place votes, with Florida securing the only other top spot on a ballot.