No. 12 Alabama held on late to take a 90-84 victory over Clemson in the ACC/SEC Challenge.
The Crimson Tide came out hot, jumping out to a lead as big as 19 points in the first half. Clemson battled in the second half, briefly taking the lead back before Alabama eventually regained the lead and held on for another quality win.
Here are a few takeaways from the game.
- Allen Shines in First Career Start
Amari Allen recorded his first career start in place of an injured Aden Holloway. Allen took advantage of the start and the extra playing time, recording a double-double. The true freshman finished the game with 20 points and 11 rebounds.
- Crimson Tide Come Out Hot
Clemson got on the board first, but the Crimson Tide responded, sinking eight of their first nine shot attempts. During that stretch, Alabama went a perfect 5-for-5 from behind the arc. Led by Labaron Philon’s 12 first-half points, Alabama entered the locker room at the half with a 45-30 lead.
- Sherrell Dials in on Defense
Nate Oats thought that Aiden Sherrell grew the most as a player during their time in Las Vegas at the Players Era Festival. The momentum carried over to the game on Wednesday. He didn’t have the best offensive game, scoring only five points, but he did his job in the paint. Sherrell was a force on the defensive end, pulling down 10 rebounds and blocking eight shots. If Alabama wants to make a deep run in the postseason, Sherrell will need to bring this type of presence in the paint on a consistent basis.
- Philon Takes Over the Game
Whenever Alabama needed a bucket to stop a Clemson run, Philon came through for the Crimson Tide. Philon tied a season high with 29 points in the victory. The dribble drive to the basket was Philon’s best course of offense on Wednesday. Philon finished a perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line as a result of getting fouled while driving in the lane.
Alabama will host UTSA on Sunday, December 7, at 1 p.m. The game will be televised on the SEC Network.
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