“G-League Dropout” Helps Provide Spark for Crimson Tide’s Comeback Over Auburn

AUBURN, Ala. - The Alabama Crimson Tide traveled to "The Jungle", formally known as Neville Arena, for a matchup in the Iron Bowl of basketball against the Auburn Tigers. It's the first of two matchups scheduled between the Crimson Tide and the Tigers in the regular season, and it was a much-needed win for Alabama, as the Crimson Tide sat at 5-4 in conference play coming into Saturday, tied with Auburn. The Crimson Tide was led by star sophomore Labaron Philon in the 96-92 victory over Auburn, with Philon scoring a team-leading 25 points.

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The Crimson Tide's bench sparked the second-half comeback for Alabama after the Crimson Tide took a four-point deficit into the halftime break, with the "G-League dropout" (as Auburn fans called him) Charles Bediako leading the way off the bench with 12 points. The Crimson Tide ended with 28 points off the bench, compared to Auburn's seven.

Philon led the way for the Crimson Tide's starters with 25 points, and 16 of them came in the second half, where he shot 3-8 from the floor, 50% from three-point range, and a perfect eight-for-eight from the free-throw line. Despite 13 turnovers, Alabama ended the night shooting 32-59 (54%) from the floor and was red-hot from three-point range, shooting 12-23 (52%). Alabama was led from deep range by freshman Amari Allen, who finished 3-5 from three-point range. In total, four Crimson Tide players ended with double-digit points, with Philon leading the way with 25 points, Allen scoring 17 points, Aden Holloway scoring 15 points, and Charles Bediako scoring 12 points.

Alabama improves to 16-7 (6-4) after the victory over the Auburn Tigers in the Iron Bowl of basketball. The Crimson Tide's next game will come on Wednesday, February 11, against the Ole Miss Rebels. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. CT.

Wyatt Fulton is the Tide 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.