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

BREAKING: In a thrilling showdown at Madison Square Garden, No. 15 Alabama shocked fifth-ranked St. John’s with a 103-96 victory on Saturday afternoon. Labaron Philon Jr. led the charge for Alabama, scoring 25 points, including a crucial three-pointer that secured a late-game lead.

With just two minutes remaining, Philon sank a deep three to push Alabama ahead 98-88, showcasing his clutch performance as the Crimson Tide improved to 2-0 for the season. His shooting prowess, going 10 of 17 from the field, was instrumental in overcoming a determined St. John’s squad.

The game was marked by intense momentum shifts. Alabama took command late in the first half, outscoring St. John’s 16-6 to close out the period with a 53-44 lead, capped off by a buzzer-beating three from Aden Holloway, who added 21 points in his return from injury.

St. John’s, despite their 49.2% shooting percentage, struggled at the free-throw line, missing 12 opportunities. Zuby Ejiofor scored 27 points for the Red Storm, while teammates Bryce Hopkins and Ian Jackson contributed 19 and 14 points, respectively.

The loss snaps St. John’s impressive 12-game winning streak at Madison Square Garden. They had hoped to continue their strong home performance but fell short against a relentless Alabama team.

Looking ahead, Alabama’s schedule intensifies with a matchup against top-ranked Purdue on Thursday, while St. John’s will host William & Mary next Saturday night. The Crimson Tide’s upcoming games against ranked opponents, including Illinois and Gonzaga, add further excitement to their season.

This victory not only boosts Alabama’s confidence but sets the stage for a competitive season ahead. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the Crimson Tide look to build on this momentum.