Overview
- Labaron Philon posted a career-high 22 points on 9-of-13 shooting with eight assists, accounting for 32 of Alabama’s 48 first-half points via points or assists.
- Alabama shot 53.4% from the field to North Dakota’s 38.7% and controlled the glass 46-26 to keep the lead comfortably in double figures after an early run.
- Fresh faces delivered: Amari Allen had 12 points, seven rebounds, five assists and three steals, London Jemison added 12, Houston Mallette scored 15 with eight boards, and Aiden Sherrell blocked four shots.
- The Crimson Tide played without guards Aden Holloway and Latrell Wrightsell Jr. plus transfer Jalil Bethea and forward Keitenn Bristow due to injuries, prompting starts for newcomers.
- Turnovers persisted for Alabama with 15 giveaways against 10 by North Dakota, which was led by Garrett Anderson with 13 points and Eli King with 11 and four steals; Alabama visits No. 5 St. John’s on Saturday, while UND hosts UC Riverside Thursday.