Alabama men’s basketball team secured a dominant 100-87 victory against Illinois in the 2024 C.M. Newton Classic. Four Crimson Tide players achieved double figures, with Grant Nelson leading with 23 points. Labaron Philon almost reached a triple-double with 16 points, nine assists, and seven boards. Aden Holloway and Latrell Wrightsell Jr. also contributed with 18 and 16 points respectively. Illinois’ Will Riley led his team with 18 points, nine rebounds, and four assists.
Head Coach Nate Oats praised his team’s performance, highlighting the improved defense and ball movement. Alabama had 23 assists and only seven turnovers, showcasing their teamwork and efficiency. Grant Nelson and Labaron Philon were standout players, with Nelson making four three-point shots and Philon almost achieving a triple-double.
The game marked the fifth meeting between Alabama and Illinois, with the Crimson Tide now leading the series 4-1. Alabama’s bench played a crucial role, outscoring their opponents’ reserves. The team also had a strong presence in the paint and excelled in ball distribution.
Alabama will now travel to Las Vegas to participate in the Players Era Festival, with their first game against No. 7 Houston. The event will run from Tuesday, November 26 to Saturday, November 30, giving the Crimson Tide another opportunity to showcase their skills on the court.
Source
Photo credit rolltide.com