Alabama Upsets St. John’s 103-96 Behind Philon’s 25 Points

UPDATE: In a thrilling showdown at Madison Square Garden, No. 15 Alabama stunned fifth-ranked St. John’s with a 103-96 victory on October 28, 2023. Labaron Philon Jr. delivered an explosive performance, scoring 25 points and hitting a crucial 3-pointer to seal the win with just two minutes left on the clock.

This victory is particularly significant as it marks Alabama’s first appearance at Madison Square Garden since the 2013-14 season. Philon, who shot 10 of 17 from the field, showcased his scoring prowess, helping the Crimson Tide improve to 2-0 on the season. The Alabama team displayed resilience, taking control late in the first half and executing effectively in the closing minutes.

The Crimson Tide initially built a strong lead, outscoring St. John’s 16-6 to finish the first half with a 53-44 advantage, highlighted by a buzzer-beater 3-pointer from Aden Holloway. Holloway contributed 21 points in his season debut, after recovering from a wrist injury. His performance, along with contributions from Taylor Bol Bowen and Latrell Wrightsell, each scoring 17 points, was instrumental in Alabama’s success.

“We executed our game plan and stayed focused,” Philon stated after the game. “Every possession mattered, and we stepped up when it counted.”

St. John’s, boasting a strong home record with a 12-game winning streak at MSG, fell to 1-1 despite a valiant effort. Zuby Ejiofor led the Red Storm with 27 points, while Bryce Hopkins and Ian Jackson added 19 and 14 points respectively. However, St. John’s struggled at the free-throw line, missing 12 free throws, which proved costly in the tight contest.

Looking ahead, Alabama faces a formidable challenge as they prepare to host top-ranked Purdue on Thursday. St. John’s will aim to bounce back against William & Mary next Saturday night. With both teams set to compete against ranked opponents, fans can expect more high-stakes action in the coming weeks.

This matchup not only illustrated the intensity of early-season college basketball but also highlighted the talent on display, setting the tone for an exciting season ahead.