Saturday’s matchup between No. 7 Alabama and No. 1 Auburn was already going to be intense, with the in-state rivalry and both teams among the top three squads in the SEC.
But Alabama’s Grant Nelson added some much appreciated spice to the game with a poster dunk over the Tigers’ Dylan Cardwell midway through the first half.
And if the throwdown to give Alabama a six-point lead wasn’t enough of a statement (which became a 28-21 margin after Nelson made a foul shot for a 3-point play), Nelson stirred up Auburn and its home fans by striking a “Karate Kid” crane pose directly in front of Johni Broome.
No, that wasn’t Nelson throwing a “War Eagle” right back at Auburn, as ESPN broadcaster Karl Ravech initially called. That was the “Crimson Crane,” which the Alabama football team popularized during the 2021 football season.
Since receivers Jameson Williams and John Metchie struck Daniel Russo’s iconic pose from “The Karate Kid,” the crane has become a taunting gesture between the in-state rivals. As AL.com’s Mike Rodak reported in 2022, the “Crimson Crane” has been displayed during gymnastics meets between Alabama and Auburn, in addition to swimming and diving events and club hockey matches.
Alabama held a 45-42 lead over Auburn at halftime. Nelson had 16 points at the break, while Broome has a game-high 18 points for the Tigers with five rebounds. No word on any crane poses being made in either locker room during the break.
