Alabama MBB Can’t Overcome Michigan’s Size, Season Ends in Sweet 16

CHICAGO, Ill. - Alabama men's basketball had the right game plan early in the Sweet 16 against the Michigan Wolverines, but the Crimson Tide couldn't overcome the power and size of the Wolverines' big men as Alabama's season came to an end in the Sweet 16 after falling to the Michigan Wolverines, 90-77.

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In the first half, Alabama was moving the ball up and down the court, with Labaron Philon leading the way for Nate Oats' squad in their fourth consecutive Sweet 16, going on a solo eight-point run to give Alabama a two-point lead going into the halftime break. The Tide withstood the storm from the Wolverines and held the lead, despite Michigan shooting over 50% from the floor and 53% from beyond the arc over the first 20 minutes. Former UAB Blazer Yaxel Lendeborg was the engine to Michigan's train, finishing the night with 23 points and 12 in the first half. The Tide's hot start wasn't to be continued, however, as the second half saw Alabama's hot start go ice cold.

The Tide's season-long rebounding problem burned them in the second half, with Michigan dominating the glass 24-12 over Alabama. The Michigan bench was deeper than the Crimson Tide's as well, with the Wolverines getting 33 points from their second unit, while the Crimson Tide had just six. Late-season struggles by freshman forward Amari Allen hindered Alabama, but several players, including Allen, showcased abilities that could help the Crimson Tide next season, if they chose to stay in Tuscaloosa.

Philon did all he could for the Crimson Tide in the second half in what is likely his final game in an Alabama jersey, but even 35 points from the Tide's leading scorer all season long wasn't enough for Alabama to down the one-seed in the Midwest.

Alabama scorers in double digits:

Labaron Philon - 35 points
Latrell Wrightsell Jr. - 15 points
Aiden Sherrell - 10 points

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Wyatt Fulton is the Tide 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.