There’s no shortage of emotion and rivalry juice leading into the SEC Championship Game between LSU and Alabama, and that manifested itself on the court in the pregame warmups.

Assistant coaches and officials tried to separate the players as they left the court, but it appeared multiple assistant coaches were also jawing back and forth.

Alabama swept the two-game regular season series, including the Feb. 3 meeting when the Crimson Tide won by 18 points as LSU shot just 30.8 percent.

This title game appearance is the first in a while for both programs. Alabama last made the SEC title game in 2002, and last won it in 1991. For LSU, it’s been since 1993 that the Tigers played for the trophy, and 1980 since the program won it.

The teams are led by Cameron Thomas for LSU, who is averaging 22.8 points. The Crimson Tide features the SEC Player of the Year in Herb Jones, who is averaging 11.2 points and 6.4 rebounds.

Let’s see if those pre-game emotions carry over to the game.