Alabama 61, Auburn 43: Trevor Releford buried four 3-pointers and scored 21 points as the host Crimson Tide whipped their archrivals and avenged their worst loss of the season.

Alabama (19-9, 11-4 SEC) moved a half-game ahead of Kentucky for second place in the conference by winning for the 11th time in 14 games. Releford has poured in 57 points over his last two games; he shot 7-of-13, including 4-of-9 from deep, while pacing four Alabama players in double figures.

The Tide led 23-16 after holding Auburn to 6-of-28 shooting in the first half. Alabama built on that advantage, getting payback for its 49-37 loss at Auburn on Feb. 6.

Auburn (9-19, 3-12) lost for the 12th time in 13 games despite center Rob Chubb’s 13 points.

The Tigers committed 17 turnovers and shot 2-of-15 from beyond the arc.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Alabama improved to 45-8 when hosting Auburn in Tuscaloosa. … The Tide have held 12 of their last 13 SEC opponents, and 19 of 28 overall, to less than 60 points. … Senior G Frankie Sullivan set an Auburn record by playing in his 130th game, but the Tigers’ leading scorer was held to six points on 1-of-9 shooting.