UPDATE: In a stunning upset, the No. 15 Alabama Crimson Tide triumphed over fifth-ranked St. John’s with a thrilling 103-96 victory at Madison Square Garden on Saturday afternoon. Labaron Philon Jr. delivered a standout performance, scoring 25 points, including a crucial deep 3-pointer that secured a late 98-88 lead with just two minutes remaining.
Alabama, now 2-0 for the season, showcased their resilience by taking control late in the first half and executing perfectly down the stretch. Philon shot an impressive 10 of 17 from the field, demonstrating his scoring prowess for the second consecutive game. His efforts were complemented by Aden Holloway, who contributed 21 points after returning from a wrist injury.
The Crimson Tide displayed offensive firepower, shooting 48.1% from the field and hitting six of their 11 three-pointers. Taylor Bol Bowen and Latrell Wrightsell each added 17 points, contributing to the team’s overall success in their first appearance at Madison Square Garden since the 2013-14 season.
Despite a formidable effort from St. John’s, led by Zuby Ejiofor’s 27 points, the Red Storm (now 1-1) saw their impressive 12-game winning streak at MSG come to an abrupt end. Bryce Hopkins added 19 points, while Ian Jackson finished with 14. St. John’s struggled at the free-throw line, missing 12 attempts, which proved crucial in the tight contest.
The game unfolded with high drama, as Alabama ended the first half on a 16-6 run, giving them a 53-44 lead at halftime thanks to Holloway’s buzzer-beater three-pointer. Although Alabama led by ten early in the second half, St. John’s made a fierce comeback, briefly taking an 81-80 lead on a three-pointer by Joson Sanon with 8:13 left on the clock.
Looking ahead, Alabama will face top-ranked Purdue on Thursday, setting the stage for another exciting clash. Meanwhile, St. John’s aims to bounce back as they host William & Mary next Saturday night.
This thrilling matchup has not only showcased the talents of key players but also emphasized the competitive nature of college basketball this season. Fans are already buzzing with anticipation for the upcoming games, eager to see how both teams will respond following this intense showdown.
