On Saturday night, the Alabama Crimson Tide led for 24 seconds in Thompson-Boling Arena. To the surprise of no one in Tennessee's Arena, Labaron Philon took the final shot for Alabama. To the surprise of no one in crimson, it was a game-winning basket. The Vols put 6'11" JP Estrella on Philon to stop him from driving to the basket. Philon calmly spun and faked a drive, then stepped back for a nothing but nylon 12-footer.
Tennessee had a chance to tie but failed to do so as time expired. Philon scored 13 of Alabama's last 18 points in the game. His heroics would have been impossible had Latrell Wrightsell not 'bowed up' multiple times in the game. On the way to a team-leading 25 points, Wrightsell's attitude throughout was that Alabama would not lose. Hard-Hat winner Aiden Sherrell was also key in Alabama's comeback victory. Tennessee killed Alabama on the boards, but Sherrell contributed eight of the Tide's 30 rebounds, plus four blocks and a steal. After the game, Nate Oats said, "We don't win the game without him inside."
Alabama Basketball 'took' the win from Tennessee
In the handshake line after the game, Tennessee coach Rick Barnes said to Nate Oats, "After the way the game ended last year, you deserved that win." No Tennessee fan will agree with Barnes. To the Vol Nation, the loss was another collapse when Tennessee could not hold on to a lead and close out a game. Tennessee fans should be happy they have Rick Barnes. He is an outstanding coach. The Vols had three tries to tie it in the closing seconds. An overtime outcome could have been different.
With its eight-game win streak, the Alabama Crimson Tide has gained a SEC Tournament double-bye. One more regular-season win will lock down the 2-seed in Nashville. Alabama will play Georgia in Athens on Tuesday night and finish the regular season in Tuscaloosa on Saturday against Auburn.
And a blunt no to Tennessee fans who say the Vols gave the game away to the Crimson Tide. Alabama took it from you.