Labaron Philon scores 29 points and propels No. 12 Alabama past Clemson 90-84 in ACC/SEC
Clemson guard Zac Foster (5) drives into coverage by Alabama guard Davion Hannah (4) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Credit: AP/Laura Chramer
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Labaron Philon tied his career high with 29 points, Amari Allen added 20 points and 11 rebounds and No. 12 Alabama beat Clemson 90-84 on Wednesday night in the ACC/SEC Challenge.
The Crimson Tide (6-2) led by 19 and then had to rally down the stretch after Clemson (7-2) took a two-point lead with 2:41 to play.
RJ Godfrey led the Tigers with 19 points. Dillon Hunter chipped in 13 points, and Zac Foster added 12.
Alabama played without second-leading scorer Aden Holloway, who was a late scratch after aggravating a wrist injury. In his place, Allen had his third double-double of the season. Two other starters, Keitenn Bristow and Latrell Wrightsell Jr., were sidelined again.
Alabama delivered one of its most impressive first halves of the season, shooting 50% from the field and 44% from 3-point range while building the big lead.
Clemson closed the gap midway through the second half. With Philon on the bench with three fouls, the Tigers used a 14-3 run to take its first lead, 62-61, since the opening minute of the game.
With the Tigers up 83-81, Philon answered and put Alabama up for good. The Crimson Tide closed out the game on a 9-1 run.
Clemson guard Zac Foster (5) scores on Alabama guard Labaron Philon Jr. (0) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Credit: AP/Laura Chramer
Up next
Clemson: Vs. No. 9 BYU at Madison Square Garden in New York on Tuesday night.
Alabama: Hosts UTSA on Sunday.
