Alabama Defeats USF 104-93 Behind Dominant Backcourt Display

Alabama picked up its eighth win of the season on Wednesday with an 11-point victory over USF. The Crimson Tide's guard play led the way. Labaron Philon scored 29 points, and Aden Holloway added 24. Together they combined for 53 points, more than half of Alabama's total in the 104-93 win over South Florida. 

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USF scored first, but the Tide quickly responded. Alabama controlled the lead for most of the first half. Houston Mallette, who drilled three first-half threes, scored 13 points. Philon finished the half with ten points.

In the first half, Alabama out-rebounded USF by ten boards. The Crimson Tide grabbed 33 first-half rebounds, including 16 offensive. Two players made a difference on the glass: sophomore forward Aiden Sherrel, who had six rebounds, and Florida State transfer Taylor Bol-Bowen, who also finished with six. 

USF kept the game close thanks to a 17-point first half from Bulls guard Wes Enis. He made five threes, helping to keep the Tide's largest first-half lead at only eight points. 

The Bulls regained the lead with 2:43 left in the first half. It was USF's first lead since the 18:07 mark, when they led 5-2. This didn’t faze the Crimson Tide, who quickly answered. Mallette hit his third three-pointer of the half to regain the lead. Alabama pushed the lead to eight points by halftime after Sherrell's buzzer-beating lay-up, making it a 46-39 game at halftime.  

Alabama continued to dominate the boards in the second half. The Tide improved its shooting after finishing the first half at 37.5% from the field. Alabama started the second half hot, shooting above 50% and building a double-digit lead. The Tide led by 16 points at the 12:20 mark. 

The Crimson Tide's backcourt excelled in the second half. Philon added 19 more points. Holloway, after a quiet first half, responded with three second-half threes and finished with 24 points, 19 of which came after halftime. 

Nate Oats' squad continued solid defense in the second half. They held USF to 39.5% shooting and forced 15 turnovers. Alabama capitalized, scoring 20 points off turnovers. Eleven of those turnovers came from steals. Seven different Crimson Tide players finished with at least one steal. 

Alabama kept a double-digit lead throughout. The Tide led by as much as 18, and never let USF cut the margin below ten. 

Double-Digit Scorers

• Philon- 29
• Mallette- 14
• Holloway- 24
• Wrightsell- 10

Stat Leaders

• Points- Philon (29)
• Rebounds- Bol-Bowen (9)
• Assists- Philon (7)
• Blocks- Sherrell (3)

The Crimson Tide improves to 8-3 on the season and will take on Kennsaw State on Sunday, December 21st, in the Rocket City Classic in the Propst Arena in Huntsville.

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