New York, NY — Freshman standout Labaron Philon poured in 25 points as No. 15 Alabama outlasted fifth-ranked St. John’s 103–96 on Saturday afternoon at Madison Square Garden, earning a signature early-season win in a high-scoring nonconference matchup.
Philon was electric down the stretch, drilling a deep three-pointer with two minutes remaining to give Alabama a commanding 98–88 lead. The freshman guard shot 10-of-17 from the field, notching his second straight strong performance as the Crimson Tide (2–0) showed poise against one of the nation’s top teams.
Sophomore guard Aden Holloway added 21 points in his return from a wrist injury, while Taylor Bowen Bol and Latrell Wrightsell Jr. each chipped in 17. Alabama shot 48.1% from the floor and connected on 11 three-pointers in its first appearance at “The World’s Most Famous Arena” since the 2013–14 season.
Holloway and Wrightsell combined for six of those triples and consistently broke down the Red Storm defense with timely shot-making and dribble penetration. Alabama also closed the first half on a decisive 16–6 run, punctuated by a Holloway buzzer-beating three to take a 53–44 halftime lead.
St. John’s (1–1) battled back behind Zuby Ejiofor, who scored a game-high 27 points, and Bryce Hopkins, who added 19. Ian Jackson contributed 14, but the Red Storm’s effort was undercut by missed opportunities at the line, as they went just 17-of-29 on free throws (58.6%).
The Red Storm briefly seized momentum midway through the second half when Joson Sanon buried a three to give them an 81–80 lead with just over eight minutes remaining. But Alabama quickly answered, reclaiming control with crisp ball movement and strong perimeter defense.
Despite shooting a solid 49.2% from the field, St. John’s couldn’t contain Alabama’s late offensive surge or slow Philon’s clutch shooting in the final minutes.
Up Next:
Alabama: Returns home to host top-ranked Purdue on Thursday in the second of four consecutive games against ranked opponents.
St. John’s: Hosts William & Mary next Saturday night at Carnesecca Arena.
