Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News

No. 8 Alabama Makes Statement in Win Over No. 25 Illinois

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nazario Pangallo | Last updated Nov 21, 2024 11:51 AM ET

Alabama's best player, Preseason All-American and National Player of the Year candidate Mark Sears, failed to score in the first half on Wednesday.

It didn't get much better in the second half as he was completely shut out from the field against Illinois following the Crimson Tide's gut-wrenching loss last Friday night in which Sears shot 33% from the field. Yet, that didn't affect Alabama Wednesday night as it powered its way to a 100-87 victory over No. 25 Illinois.

That's because freshman guard Labaron Philon stepped into the role as the team's playmaker and looked magnificent, while forward Grant Nelson put himself into the conversation as the team's top scorer. Nelson started 4-of-4 from three before ultimately finishing with 23 in the Tide's 13-point route.

Philon, who dropped 18 points in the loss to the Boilermakers, was efficient and effective once again, scoring 16 points while adding nine assists. The former top-35 recruit is quickly carving out a distinguished role on one of the top teams in the SEC.

Seeing a few key players step up for the struggling star was key, but the collective effort from the entire bench was essential to Alabama's victory. Forwards Aiden Sherrell and Mouhamed Dioubate both contributed a bucket from behind the arc, while guard Aden Holloway was on fire with three three-pointers and 18 points.

With 11 threes and 52% shooting from the field, the Crimson Tide was forced to shoot its way to victory as the defense didn't play up to its highest level consistently. There were too many open lanes to the hoop, along with too many miscommunications that led to open shots. Illinois also outrebounded Alabama by seven and grabbed 14 offensive rebounds compared to seven for the Tide.

Although Illinois gained extra possessions through their offensive rebounds, Alabama negated that stat by turning over Illinois 13 times while outscoring the Fighting Illini 19-5 in transition points.

That's how the Crimson Tide were able to drift into the unusual waters of a nearly silent Sears night and still exit with a convincing win over a team that made the Elite Eight last year and was the preseason No. 4 team in the Big Ten.

Last year, Alabama would've lost a game in which Sears didn't play his best, but this year, it's just another opportunity for another player to flex his muscles.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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