Overview
- The Crimson Tide beat the previously unbeaten Illini 90-86 at the United Center on Nov. 19 in a neutral-site Top-15 matchup aired on FS1.
- Labaron Philon led Alabama with 24 points to go with five assists, pacing a second-half push that held off Illinois.
- Transfer forward Keitenn Bristow returned from early-season uncertainty to add 10 points, eight rebounds, a block and a steal.
- Illinois entered 4-0 with a dominant rebound margin fueled by freshman David Mirkovic, and oddsmakers had narrowly favored the Illini with totals near 180.
- The outcome offered an early nonconference gauge before Alabama meets Gonzaga and Arizona and Illinois heads into dates with UConn and Tennessee.