No. 9 Alabama came up short in the championship game of the Players Era Festival, losing 83-81 to Oregon on Saturday.
As a consolation, the Crimson Tide will take home $1.25 million in NIL money as the runner-up. The loss drops the Crimson Tide to 6-2 on the season with some more tough non-conference games on the schedule before SEC play begins.
Here are a few takeaways from the game.
Tons of Turnovers
Alabama had turnover problems in all three games in Las Vegas. Over the three-game stretch in the Players Era Festival, Alabama turned the ball over 50 times. On Saturday, the Crimson Tide turned it over 15 times, resulting in 17 points off turnovers. Turnovers continue to be the difference in wins and losses this season.
Stevenson Finds His Stroke
Jarin Stevenson started the year struggling with his three-point shot. Stevenson missed his first 18 three-point attempts before finally draining two in the previous game. Tonight he connected on three more on four attempts.
Solid Game From Philon
Freshman standout Labaron Philon put together another solid performance Saturday night. Philon led the team with 15 points while recording two assists. Philon also tied Grant Nelson for a team-high seven rebounds. In his young Alabama career, Philon is starting to find his role alongside veteran guard Mark Sears.
Sears Goes Cold
One of Alabama’s most consistent three-point shooters went ice cold. Mark Sears was limited to just 11 points by the Oregon defense. He fired up 11 three-point attempts but was only able to sink one of them.
Alabama will hit the road to play North Carolina in the ACC/SEC Challenge on Wednesday at 6:15 p.m. The game will be televised on ESPN.
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