Alabama Upsets No. 5 St. John’s with Philon’s 25 Points

UPDATE: In a thrilling showdown at Madison Square Garden, the No. 15 Alabama Crimson Tide stunned the fifth-ranked St. John’s Red Storm with a 103-96 victory on October 28, 2023. Labaron Philon Jr. was the star of the game, pouring in 25 points and sealing the win with a crucial 3-pointer just two minutes before the final buzzer.

Alabama’s victory marks a significant early-season achievement, showcasing their resilience against a formidable opponent. Philon shot an impressive 10 of 17 from the field, contributing to the Crimson Tide’s overall shooting percentage of 48.1%. This win also halts St. John’s 12-game winning streak at MSG, a tough blow for the Red Storm.

The game was a rollercoaster, with Alabama taking control late in the first half and leading 53-44 at halftime, thanks to a buzzer-beater 3-pointer by Aden Holloway. St. John’s fought back in the second half, even briefly taking an 81-80 lead after a 3-pointer by Joson Sanon with 8:13 left on the clock.

In addition to Philon, Holloway added 21 points after returning from a wrist injury, while Taylor Bol Bowen and Latrell Wrightsell each contributed 17 points. Alabama now prepares for a challenging stretch, facing top-ranked Purdue on Thursday, followed by matches against Illinois and Gonzaga.

St. John’s saw Zuby Ejiofor lead their scoring with 27 points, while Bryce Hopkins and Ian Jackson added 19 and 14 points, respectively. However, their performance was marred by missed opportunities, including 12 free throws that could have changed the game’s outcome.

As Alabama celebrates this impressive win, all eyes will be on their upcoming games, which could shape their season. Meanwhile, St. John’s seeks to bounce back as they host William & Mary next Saturday night.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as both teams aim to solidify their standings in the NCAA.