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New York, NY – There’s nothing higher than two of school basketball’s most interesting assembly for a showdown on the mecca and that’s precisely what we obtained between #5 ranked St. John’s and #15 ranked Alabama. In a high-scoring battle that stayed tight effectively into the second half, Alabama ultimately pulled away for a 103–96 win, however the sport was stuffed with standout performances on either side.
St. John’s got here out sturdy behind its frontcourt duo of Bryce Hopkins and Zuby Ejiofor, with Ejiofor primarily dominating the primary half. He scored 21 factors on 7-of-8 capturing earlier than halftime, punishing Alabama inside and forcing the Crimson Tide into some early foul bother, enjoying a key function within the Purple Storm making an attempt 23 first-half free throws. Much more notable was Ejiofor flattening jumpers, together with two threes, one thing hardly ever seen final season when he made simply 14 jumpers complete. His capturing gave St. John’s one other perimeter menace that they wanted immediately.
On the Alabama facet, the backcourt of Labaron Philon and Aden Holloway carried the offense early, combining for 25 factors within the first half. Holloway, coming back from damage, appeared poised and assured with 15 of these factors on environment friendly capturing. Latrell Wrightsell, additionally making his season debut, gave them perimeter scoring and spacing. Alabama’s tempo and three-point effectivity helped them take a 53–44 lead into halftime.
At halftime, St. John’s wanted extra from its guards, who had been simply 1-for-10 from the sector. They responded. Ian Jackson and Oziyah Sellers got here alive within the second half, each ending with 14 factors. They attacked downhill, used ball-handling creativity to open driving lanes, and put strain on Alabama’s guards defensively. This sparked a run that introduced the Purple Storm again into hanging distance and had the backyard rocking at factors within the second half.
However Alabama didn’t fold. The second half was the Labaron Philon present, with Taylor Bol Bowen as his co-star two-way contributor. After a quieter first half, Philon managed the sport after the break. He manipulated pick-and-roll switches, created spacing off the dribble, completed on the rim, and generated playmaking benefits even after they didn’t present instantly in his stats on the day. His poise and craftiness highlighted why he’s projected as a possible lottery choose for the 2026 NBA Draft
In the meantime, Bowen supplied power and toughness, ending with 17 factors and 9 rebounds whereas enjoying each the 4 and small-ball 5 roles. His rim safety, physicality, and defensive presence helped sluggish Ejiofor’s inside dominance from the primary half. Bowen’s impression wasn’t simply on the stat sheet he was a stabilizer throughout key possessions that prevented St. John’s from absolutely flipping the sport of their favor.
Alabama’s mini-run late within the second half in the end sealed the sport, however the efficiency from each groups confirmed why every has excessive expectations this season.
For Alabama, the guard trio of Philon, Holloway, and Wrightsell was the principle distinction. Philon dictated tempo and likewise confirmed some NBA-level shot creation as effectively. Holloway complemented him as a secondary handler who may break down defenders with quickness and shot creation in ball display screen conditions. Wrightsell spaced the ground, stayed aggressive as a shooter, and made his presence felt defensively, through which he had 4 of Alabama’s 9 steals. When these three guards are enjoying at this degree, Alabama can beat anybody within the nation.
For St. John’s, the principle takeaway is that the core items confirmed excessive upside as a unit. Ejiofor appears to be like to be carrying over his paint dominance with some willingness to develop his offensive vary. Hopkins supplied some steadiness and physicality. Jackson and Sellers showcased the flexibility to create off the bounce and assault the rim, one thing final 12 months’s staff lacked at occasions. The query shifting ahead is consistency, notably perimeter capturing. The mechanics and confidence have proven enchancment, however St. John’s will want dependable shot making from its guards to achieve its most ceiling.
Nonetheless, there are clear positives. This 12 months’s St. John’s backcourt is extra dynamic, with gamers who can create their very own offense as a substitute of relying solely on units or publish up possessions. If that interprets on a night-to-night foundation, St. John’s will stay one of many hardest groups within the nation once more and a serious menace to make a deep NCAA Match run, one thing final season’s historic staff fell wanting reaching.
Regardless of the loss, St. John’s confirmed resilience and improved offensive explosiveness, whereas Alabama reminded the nation that they shouldn’t be slept on and displayed simply how harmful their roster might be. If this matchup is any indicator, each groups must be anticipated to remain close to the highest of the rankings because the season goes on.
This text was written by Jordan Amadeo, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You’ll be able to comply with us on Instagram, or on twitter.
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