Philon’s 25 Points Propel Bama to Upset Over St. John’s at MSG
In a thrilling college basketball matchup, Labaron Philon Jr. led No. 15 Alabama to a stunning 103-96 victory over fifth-ranked St. John’s on Saturday afternoon in New York. Philon contributed significantly, scoring 25 points, and his deep three-pointer late in the game secured Alabama’s commanding lead.
Key Highlights of the Match
- Top Scorer: Labaron Philon Jr. – 25 points
- Additional Contributors: Aden Holloway (21 points), Taylor Bol Bowen (17 points), Latrell Wrightsell (17 points)
- Free Throw Struggles: St. John’s missed 12 free throws
- Alabama’s Shooting Efficiency: 48.1% from the field
- Game Location: Madison Square Garden, New York
- Next Opponents: Alabama vs. Purdue; St. John’s vs. William & Mary
Game Progression
Alabama’s strong performance began late in the first half. They outscored St. John’s 16-6 to take a 53-44 lead into halftime. The momentum continued as the Crimson Tide maintained a ten-point lead early in the second half.
Despite Alabama’s lead, St. John’s rallied back to briefly take an 81-80 advantage with 8:13 remaining, thanks to a three-pointer from Joson Sanon. However, Alabama regained control during the final minutes of the game.
Individual Performances
Aden Holloway, making a comeback after a wrist injury, added 21 points and was crucial in critical moments. He and Wrightsell combined for six of Alabama’s 11 three-pointers, showcasing their shooting prowess.
For St. John’s, Zuby Ejiofor was the standout performer with 27 points. Despite his efforts, the team could not overcome Alabama’s late-game execution. Bryce Hopkins and Ian Jackson contributed 19 and 14 points, respectively.
Upcoming Challenges
This victory sets Alabama on a challenging path ahead, facing three ranked opponents in their next four games. Fans look forward to seeing how the Crimson Tide will perform against top-ranked Purdue on Thursday.
With this win, Alabama has proven its resilience and determination early in the season, and it will be interesting to see how they carry this momentum into upcoming matchups.
