NEW YORK -- Labaron Philon Jr. scored 25 points as No. 15 Alabama passed an early-season nonconference test with a 103-96 victory over fifth-ranked St. John's on Saturday afternoon.

Philon helped Alabama clinch the win with a deep 3-pointer for a 98-88 lead with two minutes remaining. He shot 10-of-17 from the field in his second straight strong performance as Alabama took control late in the first half, withstood a comeback and executed in the final minutes.

Aden Holloway added 21 points after sitting out the season opener with a wrist injury as the Crimson Tide (2-0) shot 48.1%. Taylor Bol Bowen and Latrell Wrightsell contributed 17 points each for Alabama, which impressively started a run of four straight games against ranked teams. The Crimson Tide will face top-ranked

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