Arizona defeats Alabama 75-96
Arizona Outlasts Alabama in Thrilling Comeback Victory
In a non-conference matchup that showcased the best of both teams, Arizona (away) edged out host Alabama 96-75 at Legacy Arena at BJCC.
The Crimson Tide took an early lead, with Labaron Philon Jr. scoring 12 points in the first half to put his team up 41-39 at intermission. However, it was Arizona that proved to be the more resilient team, as they erased a two-point deficit to take the lead midway through the second half.
Arizona's offense finally found its rhythm, with Brayden Burries leading the way with 28 points, including 5 of 10 three-pointers at a 57.9% clip. Tobe Awaka chipped in with 7 points and 15 rebounds, while Jaden Bradley dished out 7 assists to complement his 13 points.
In contrast, Alabama struggled from beyond the arc, making just 12 of 32 three-point attempts (38%). Philon Jr., who also led his team on the glass with 10 rebounds, accounted for 24 points and 5 assists. Despite a strong effort, the Crimson Tide ultimately couldn't contain Arizona's balanced attack.
The largest lead of the game came when Alabama took a 7-point advantage early in the second half, but Arizona responded by outscoring their opponents 57-34 down the stretch.
Game Flow
Alabama led at halftime with a 41-39 score, but Arizona closed the gap and eventually took control. The final margin was 21 points, a testament to the Wildcats' ability to pull away when it mattered most.
The largest leads of the game were 7 for Alabama in the first half and 24 for Arizona in the second half.
Key Takeaways
Arizona's victory marked their first win in three games, while Alabama fell to 10-2 overall. The Crimson Tide's struggles from beyond the arc proved costly, as they shot just 38% from three-point range compared to Arizona's 57.9%.
The C.M. Newton Classic matchup served as a showcase for both teams' abilities, with Arizona ultimately emerging victorious in a thrilling comeback performance.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story!