Efficient Scoring and Rebounding Emphasis Propel Alabama Over UNLV in Tide Hoops After Dark

LAS VEGAS, Nev. - Alabama looked to right its wrong from Monday night after the Crimson Tide's 10-point loss to the Gonzaga Bulldogs, with a Tide Hoops after dark tip-off against UNLV in Alabama's second night at the Player's Era Festival in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Crimson Tide played a much more complete game against the Rebels, securing a 115-76 victory late on Tuesday night, or very early Wednesday morning, depending on how you look at the time.

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Rebounding, efficiency, and less iso ball from sophomore guard Labaron Philon were sticking points for the Crimson Tide after Monday night's loss to the Gonzaga Bulldogs, a night where Philon scored a career-high 29 points, but was shut out in the last 9:51 of the game. In addition to his career high points, Philon had a career-high in turnovers as well, with six against the Bulldogs.

As a team, the Crimson Tide cleaned up the turnovers, with 12 turnovers against UNLV in the Tide's victory. Philon only had two turnovers to go with his 13 points. Alabama was shorthanded on the night, with Latrell Wrightsll Jr. ruled out for the entire tournament on Monday, Houston Mallette banged up after a collision with a Gonzaga player on Monday just before halftime, and Jalil Bethea still out after undergoing surgery in the preseason. During Tuesday night's contest, Alabama saw Amari Allen get banged up, and Davion Hannah briefly spent time in the locker room during the first half. Mallette ended up playing 29 minutes, with Hannah returning to the game shortly after his locker room visit. However, Allen did not play much of the second half, when Alabama had built up a 34-point lead with seven minutes left in the contest.

Junior guard Aden Holloway was the Tide's most efficient player on the night, making 9-14 shots from the floor and 5-for-6 from three-point range. The Crimson Tide crossed the 100-point mark with 5:02 left in the contest.

After the Tide's loss to Gonzaga, Oats hammered the same point he did after Alabama's loss to Purdue: rebounding. Alabama dominated the glass on Tuesday night, with a 48-28 rebounding differential in favor of the Crimson Tide. The Tide also got good production from its bench, with 36 bench points from the second unit as the Tide's starters began to make their way out of the game late in the contest.

Alabama Stat Leaders

Points: Aden Holloway - 26
Rebounds: Aiden Sherrell - 8
Assists: Amari Allen - 6

Alabama will face a familiar face during its Wednesday night consolation game in Las Vegas, with former Texas A&M coach Buzz Williams now leading the Maryland Terrapins - the Crimson Tide's opponent for Wednesday night. I hope you brewed another pot of coffee, because Alabama and Maryland won't tip off until 11:00 p.m. CT.

Wyatt Fulton is the Tide 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.