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

UPDATE: In a thrilling showdown at Madison Square Garden on October 28, 2023, the No. 15 Alabama Crimson Tide shocked the fifth-ranked St. John’s Red Storm with a stunning 103-96 victory. Labaron Philon Jr. led the charge, scoring an impressive 25 points, including a crucial three-pointer that gave Alabama a commanding 98-88 lead with just two minutes remaining.

Alabama’s performance marks a significant achievement in their early season, pushing their record to 2-0. Philon shot an impressive 10 of 17 from the field, showcasing his scoring prowess in a high-stakes game that kept fans on the edge of their seats. His ability to deliver in clutch moments was pivotal, particularly as Alabama took control late in the first half and maintained composure against a fierce St. John’s comeback attempt.

The Crimson Tide’s success also featured contributions from Aden Holloway, who added 21 points after returning from a wrist injury, and Taylor Bol Bowen and Latrell Wrightsell, who each scored 17 points. Alabama demonstrated remarkable shooting, hitting 11 three-pointers and finishing with a field goal percentage of 48.1%.

St. John’s, despite their loss, had standout performances from Zuby Ejiofor, who scored 27 points, and Bryce Hopkins, who added 19 points. However, the Red Storm struggled at the free-throw line, missing 12 free throws, which proved costly in their attempt to extend their 12-game winning streak at MSG.

The game was a back-and-forth battle, with St. John’s briefly taking an 81-80 lead on a three-pointer by Joson Sanon with just over eight minutes left. However, Alabama’s resilience shone through in the final moments, as they outscored St. John’s 16-6 to close the first half, leading 53-44 at halftime.

With this victory, Alabama sets the stage for a challenging schedule ahead, facing top-ranked Purdue, Illinois, and Gonzaga in their next three games. Meanwhile, St. John’s will look to regroup as they prepare to host William & Mary next Saturday night.

This electrifying game not only showcased the talent on both teams but also emphasized the competitive spirit of college basketball as the season heats up. Stay tuned for more updates as Alabama continues its quest for supremacy against top-ranked opponents.