Alabama basketball's Labaron Philon has March Madness shining moment vs Hofstra
Hofstra fans declared that Labaron Philon was nervous as Alabama basketball trailed in March Madness. He stepped up with a breakout performance.
TAMPA — Alabama basketball guard Labaron Philon dribbled the ball from left to right at halfcourt, staring down a Hofstra guard and a scoreboard that wasn't swinging in the Crimson Tide 's favor. About 15 feet within earshot was a cheering Hofstra fan: "He's nervous! He's nervous!
" Philon was patiently scoping out his passing options, but it read as nervousness to the section of Pride groupies excited to see their team in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2001. In the second half, visiting fans found out just how fearless Philon is as he led Alabama (24-9) to a 90-70 first-round win over 13-seed Hofstra on Friday, March 20. REQUIRED READING: Aden Holloway let drug agents search phone, leading to suspicion of selling INSTANT OBSERVATIONS: Short-handed Alabama basketball finds heroes to beat Hofstra in NCAA Tournament As Alabama trailed by 10 points about halfway through the first half, the Hofstra fan made a declaration.
"They're panicking! They're panicking! " he shouted.
Critical triples by Taylor Bol Bowen and Aiden Sherrell − plus two free throws by Philon − helped the Crimson Tide chip away at the deficit and make it a one-possession game. "It was a great feeling just to see my teammates succeed," Philon said after. With his team trailing by two points at halftime, the outspoken Hofstra fan hadn't lost confidence.