Labaron Philon’s Explosive 25-Point Night Seals Shocking Upset Over No. 5 St. John’s at MSG

Walking into Madison Square Garden for the first time since 2013-14, Alabama’s Crimson Tide made sure their return wasn’t just a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Labaron Philon put on a show, dropping 25 points and nailing a clutch three-pointer to seal a hard-fought 103-96 victory over a pesky St. John’s squad ranked fifth nationally. It wasn’t just Philon lighting it up—Aden Holloway came back from a wrist injury layoff to pour in 21 points, while Taylor Bowen Bol and Latrell Wrightsell Jr. each chipped in 17, helping Alabama sharpen their teeth in a non-conference battle that promises much more to come. With four straight matchups against ranked opponents on the horizon, this win was a statement and a launching pad all rolled into one. Oh, and St. John’s? They’ll have to wrestle with snapping a 12-game MSG winning streak while nursing missed free throws and a tough loss. The excitement’s just beginning. LEARN MORE

NEW YORK — Labaron Philon scored 25 points and No. 15 Alabama passed an early season non-conference test with a 103-96 victory over fifth-ranked St. John’s on Saturday afternoon.

Philon helped Alabama clinch the win with a deep 3-pointer for a 98-88 lead with two minutes remaining. He shot 10 of 17 from the field in his second straight strong performance as Alabama took control late in the first half, withstood a comeback and executed in the final minutes.

Aden Holloway added 21 points after sitting out the season opener with a wrist injury as the Crimson Tide (2-0) shot 48.1%. Taylor Bowen Bol and Latrell Wrightsell Jr. contributed 17 points each for Alabama, which impressively started a run of four straight games against ranked teams. They will face top-ranked Purdue, Illinois and Gonzaga after Saturday.

Holloway and Wrightsell were a combined 15-of-35 from the floor and hit six of Alabama’s 11 3-pointers in the Crimson Tide’s first appearance at Madison Square Garden since 2013-14.

Zuby Ejiofor scored 27 points for the Red Storm (1-1), who had a 12-game winning streak at MSG stopped. Bryce Hopkins added 19 and Ian Jackson finished with 14 as St. John’s shot 49.2% but missed 12 free throws.

Alabama ended the first half by outscoring St. John’s 16-6 and took a 53-44 halftime lead on a 3 by Holloway at the buzzer. The Crimson Tide held a 10-point lead early in the second and St. John’s stormed back, getting an 81-80 lead on a 3-pointer by Joson Sanon with 8:13 left.