Sixteenth-ranked Alabama (8-3) hit triple digits in the scoring column for the fourth time this season and defeated the South Florida Bulls (6-5) in the process with a 104-93 victory on Wednesday at Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa. Labaron Philon Jr. matched a career-high of 29 points, while Aden Holloway scored 24 for the Tide. The pair combined for seven threes on the evening.
In his postgame comments, Alabama head coach Nate Oats discussed the team’s response to rebounding woes that have plagued the Tide this season. “I was pleased with our effort coming out. We’ve been emphasizing the rebounding issues and we were up 10 in the first half, so I think they got the message. It’s the first time all year we’ve had three or more guys have seven rebounds with Aiden Sherrell, Houston Mallette, and Taylor Bol Bowen,” said Oats.
Alabama had nine players collect three or more rebounds, with Bol Bowen leading the team with nine boards—six of them on the offensive glass.
The Tide also shot 29-for-35 from the foul line, good for 83 percent, and forced a season-high 15 turnovers.
South Florida (6-5) was led by Izaiyah Nelson’s 25 points and 12 rebounds. Nelson shot 9-for-12 from the field and converted 7-for-9 from the charity stripe.
Alabama returns to action this Sunday against the Kennesaw State Owls as part of the Rocket City Classic in Huntsville, Alabama. The Owls are coached by former Alabama assistant coach Antoine Pettway. Tipoff is set for 1 p.m. CT inside Propst Arena and the game can be seen on SEC Network+ TG
