Alabama Upsets St. John’s with Philon’s 25 in Thrilling Finish

UPDATE: In a stunning showdown at Madison Square Garden, No. 15 Alabama triumphed over fifth-ranked St. John’s with a thrilling 103-96 victory on Saturday afternoon. Labaron Philon Jr. led the charge with an impressive 25 points, including a crucial deep 3-pointer that propelled Alabama to a 98-88 lead with just two minutes remaining.

The game unfolded with high intensity, as Alabama executed a strategic late-game performance after initially taking control late in the first half. Philon, shooting 10 of 17 from the field, has now delivered back-to-back standout performances. His efforts were pivotal in securing Alabama’s second victory of the season, bringing their record to 2-0.

In addition to Philon, Aden Holloway contributed 21 points despite missing the season opener due to a wrist injury. Holloway’s buzzer-beater 3-pointer at the end of the first half helped Alabama take a 53-44 lead into halftime. The Crimson Tide demonstrated resilience, with Taylor Bol Bowen and Latrell Wrightsell each adding 17 points to the scoreboard.

The game marked Alabama’s first appearance at Madison Square Garden since the 2013-14 season, and they showcased their skill against a formidable opponent. St. John’s, who had a 12-game winning streak at MSG, was led by Zuby Ejiofor, who scored 27 points. Despite a solid performance with 49.2% shooting from the field, St. John’s faltered at the free-throw line, missing 12 free throws that could have shifted momentum.

As the second half commenced, Alabama held a 10-point lead before St. John’s rallied to take an 81-80 advantage on a 3-pointer by Joson Sanon with just over eight minutes left. However, Alabama’s late-game execution proved decisive, maintaining composure under pressure and sealing the victory.

Looking ahead, Alabama prepares to face top-ranked Purdue on Thursday, while St. John’s will host William & Mary next Saturday night. This weekend’s clash not only promises high-stakes action but also sets the stage for an exciting season in college basketball.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as Alabama aims to continue its momentum against elite competition in the coming weeks.