The Alabama Crimson Tide played what was likely college basketball’s top game of the night Wednesday, traveling to Birmingham for a neutral-court showdown with the Illinois Fighting Illini in the C.M. Newton Classic.
A pair of Top 25 teams, this showdown between Alabama and Illinois lived up to the hype as well, with the Crimson Tide coming away with the eventual 100-87 victory in a game which they truly controlled from the start.
In this win, there were certainly many positives to take away for the Crimson Tide as well, but also a few negatives.
Let’s take a look at some of our instant reactions from Alabama’s Top 25 showdown with No. 25 Illinois on Wednesday night:
Grant Nelson’s stellar performance
Wednesday night was likely the greatest performance for Alabama forward Grant Nelson so far this season, finishing with a final stat line of a game-high 23 points, eight rebounds, two assists, one steal, and four blocks. Nelson also shot an impressive 9-of-15 from the field, as well as 4-of-9 from three.
Labaron Philon flirts with triple-double
Alabama freshman guard Labaron Philon flirted with a triple-double against Illinois in what was one of his top performances of the season. Philon finished with 16 points, seven rebounds, nine assists, two steals, and one block on 7-of-13 shooting from the field.
Aden Holloway’s best game in Alabama uniform
Was this the best game from Auburn Tigers transfer guard Aden Holloway in an Alabama uniform so far? Holloway finished the game with 18 points, one rebound, two assists, and one steal on 7-of-10 shooting from the field, as well as 3-of-4 from three.
Alabama Crimson Tide’s strong shooting night
A big reason behind Alabama’s victory was the Crimson Tide’s shooting from the field. In all, Alabama shot a combined 52% from the field, as well as 32.4% from three and 84.6% at the free throw line.
Mark Sears, Clifford Omoruyi struggle
In the midst of Alabama’s win, two of the team’s top performing players so far this season struggled in guard Mark Sears and center Clifford Omoruyi. Sears finished with zero points, while Omoruyi, who spent a majority of this game in foul trouble, ended with six points and six rebounds, and his absence from the court was a big reason as to why Alabama was out-rebounded a combined 44-37.
Alabama wins turnover battle
Wednesday night was one of Alabama’s best games when it came to limiting turnovers, committing only seven all game, which was compared to 13 for Illinois. The Crimson Tide also capitalized off those Illinois’ turnovers, turning them into 18 points.
Alabama Crimson Tide now 4-1 overall
After the Crimson Tide’s win Wednesday night over Illinois, Alabama now sits at 4-1 overall for the 2024-25 season. The Crimson Tide’s next game will come Tuesday, November 26 against the Houston Cougars in the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas, Nevada.