NEW YORK -- Labaron Philon scored 25 points and No. 15 Alabama passed an early season nonconference test with a 103-96 victory over fifth-ranked St. John's on Saturday afternoon.

Philon helped Alabama clinch the win with a deep three-pointer for a 98-88 lead with two minutes remaining. He shot 10 of 17 from the field in his second straight strong performance as the Crimson Tide took control late in the first half, withstood a comeback and executed in the final minutes.

Aden Holloway added 21 points after sitting out the season opener with a wrist injury as Alabama (2-0) shot 48.1%. Taylor Bowen Bol and Latrell Wrightsell Jr. contributed 17 points each for Alabama, which impressively started a run of four straight games against ranked teams. They will face top-ranked Purdue, No. 17 Illino

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