Overview
- Philon tied his career high with 29 points and hit a late jumper with 2:07 remaining that helped secure the result.
- Freshman Amari Allen posted his first double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds, and London Jemison added 13 with a timely go-ahead three.
- Alabama raced to a big first-half lead and was outscored after the break as Clemson rallied before the Tide closed the game late.
- The Tide played without Aden Holloway, Latrell Wrightsell Jr. and Keitenn Bristow, with Collins Onyejiaka out indefinitely, while Miami transfer Jalil Bethea made his season debut.
- Oats praised Clemson’s toughness and emphasized Alabama’s need to defend with a lead as the Tide improved to 6-2 and return home to face UTSA on Sunday.