Alabama Stuns No. 5 St. John’s with 103-96 Victory at MSG

BREAKING: The No. 15 Alabama Crimson Tide delivered a stunning upset over the fifth-ranked St. John’s Red Storm, winning 103-96 at Madison Square Garden on November 4, 2023. Labaron Philon Jr. was the star of the show, scoring an impressive 25 points and hitting a crucial deep three-pointer to secure the victory.

In a thrilling match that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Alabama took control late in the first half, outscoring St. John’s 16-6 to lead 53-44 at halftime. Philon showcased his skills by shooting 10 of 17 from the field, marking his second consecutive standout performance.

The Crimson Tide, now with a 2-0 record, faced a fierce challenge as St. John’s rallied to take an 81-80 lead with just over eight minutes left in the game. However, Alabama fought back, with Philon’s clutch shooting proving decisive in the closing moments.

Not only did Philon shine, but Aden Holloway, returning from a wrist injury, added 21 points. Both he and teammate Latrell Wrightsell, who also scored 17 points, contributed to Alabama’s strong offensive showing, hitting six of the team’s eleven three-pointers.

St. John’s, despite the loss, saw standout performances from Zuby Ejiofor, who led the team with 27 points, alongside Bryce Hopkins and Ian Jackson, who added 19 and 14 points respectively. The Red Storm, who had boasted a remarkable 12-game winning streak at MSG, struggled at the free-throw line, missing 12 attempts that could have altered the game’s outcome.

The victory marks a significant moment for Alabama, who now faces a challenging schedule ahead, with four consecutive games against ranked opponents, including a clash with top-ranked Purdue on Thursday.

As the college basketball season heats up, this thrilling game serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports. Fans and analysts alike will be eagerly watching how both teams respond in their upcoming matches. St. John’s is set to host William & Mary next Saturday night, looking to bounce back from this disappointing loss.

Stay tuned for more updates as this season unfolds!