Philon vs. Red Raiders: NCAA Showdown

0:00On March 21st, Alabama basketball advanced to the second round of the NCAA tournament with a 20-point win in their opener. Sophomore star Laverne Philan led the way, dropping 29 points to go with eight rebounds, seven assists, and three steals in the victory. Now the Crimson Tide faced Texas Tech on Sunday in the round of 32. Phylonne has dazzled all season, earning third-team All-American honors from four major outlets while averaging 22 points, 4.8, assists, and 3.2 rebounds per game. Texas Tech isn't phased though. The red raiders have tangled with some of the nation's top guards this year, including match-ups against Illinois, Purdue, Arkansas, Houston, Kansas, and Arizona stars who averaged over 20 points in those games. Texas Tech coach Grant McCaslin studied Phylonne closely and came away impressed by his scoring at all levels, passing and non-stop energy. Guard Caleb Anderson knows Phylonne from high school, where they doled in a close game two years ago.

1:04Anderson called him intense and gritty, ready to match that fire. The red raiders lost a few of those big guard battles, but gained valuable experience. Their plan is simple, get physical to slow-file on speed and quickness. Players like Donovan Atwell see him as a top challenge, but believe they're equipped to handle it. Both teams hail from tough conferences and thrive on competition, setting up an exciting clash. Expect Phylonne to test Texas Tech early, but the red raiders prep could make this one go down to the wire on Sunday night.