UPDATE: In a thrilling matchup at Madison Square Garden, the No. 15 Alabama Crimson Tide stunned No. 5 St. John’s Red Storm with a final score of 103-96 on Saturday afternoon. Labaron Philon Jr. led the charge, scoring an impressive 25 points and hitting a crucial deep 3-pointer to secure the victory with just two minutes left on the clock.
The game, held on October 28, 2023, showcased Alabama’s resilience as they outlasted a strong St. John’s team that had boasted a 12-game winning streak at MSG. Philon shot 10 of 17 from the field, marking his second consecutive standout performance. The Crimson Tide executed brilliantly in the final minutes, overcoming a late comeback attempt by the Red Storm.
Alabama took control late in the first half, ending it with a 53-44 lead after outscoring St. John’s 16-6 in that stretch. Aden Holloway, returning from a wrist injury, contributed 21 points and was pivotal in hitting six of Alabama’s 11 three-pointers. Teammates Taylor Bol Bowen and Latrell Wrightsell each added 17 points, demonstrating a balanced offensive attack.
The Red Storm, despite a valiant effort with Zuby Ejiofor scoring 27 points, struggled at the free-throw line, missing 12 shots. St. John’s had initially rallied to gain an 81-80 lead in the second half, but Alabama responded decisively.
As the Crimson Tide prepare to face top-ranked Purdue on Thursday, this win marks a significant early-season confidence boost. Meanwhile, St. John’s will look to rebound against William & Mary next Saturday.
This upset is a wake-up call for college basketball fans, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the sport and setting the stage for an exciting season ahead. Stay tuned for further updates as Alabama embarks on a challenging stretch of four consecutive games against ranked opponents.
