South Florida visits Philon and No. 16 Alabama
No. 16 Alabama returns home looking to reset after a high-scoring setback against Arizona, a night in which freshman guard Labaron Philon poured in 24 points. South Florida heads to Tuscaloosa aiming to test the Crimson Tide’s offensive rhythm and physicality on the glass.
What to expect from Alabama
The Crimson Tide have been comfortable at home, winning three of four in their own building. Their identity remains built around pace, spacing, and sharing the ball: they’re dishing out 17.6 assists per game, sixth-best in the SEC. Philon not only fuels the scoring, he also steers the offense with 5.4 assists per night, keeping Alabama’s shooters involved and the tempo high.
Efficiency has been a calling card too. Alabama is converting 47.7% of its shots from the field this season, a clip that will challenge South Florida’s sturdy defense. That mark sits 4.1 percentage points above what the Bulls typically allow (43.6%), making the half-court execution battle one to monitor.
How South Florida can push back
The Bulls are 1-1 away from home and bring a blue-collar edge, especially on the offensive glass. They rank fourth in the AAC with 12.4 offensive rebounds per game, led by Izaiyah Nelson’s 3.9 put-back opportunities per outing. Those second-chance chances could be pivotal in slowing Alabama’s transition and creating extra possessions.
Perimeter shooting is another lever for South Florida. The Bulls knock down 9.1 threes per game, which is 1.4 more than Alabama typically concedes (7.7). If USF’s shooters heat up, they can stretch the Tide’s defense and open lanes for drives and kick-outs.
Players to watch
- Labaron Philon, Alabama: Dynamic freshman who’s driving the Tide’s attack at 21.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game. He’s coming off a 24-point effort and has been a three-level threat.
- Aden Holloway, Alabama: Providing secondary scoring and spacing at 15.6 points and 2.4 rebounds per game while shooting 46.3%. His shot-making complements Philon’s playmaking.
- Joseph Pinion, South Florida: Giving the Bulls a reliable scoring option at 14.6 points per game while shooting 39.5%. His perimeter touch is key to USF’s spacing.
- Josh Omojafo, South Florida: Adds 13.2 points per game and can pressure defenses with timely buckets and physical drives.
- Izaiyah Nelson, South Florida: The engine of USF’s offensive rebounding surge, creating extra chances and interior toughness.
Key battlegrounds
- Glass control: South Florida’s offensive rebounding versus Alabama’s ability to finish defensive possessions. Limiting second-chance points is crucial for the Tide.
- Tempo vs. toughness: Alabama thrives when the pace accelerates; USF will try to grind, slow the game, and make each possession rugged.
- Perimeter defense: The Bulls’ 3-point volume can swing momentum. If Alabama runs shooters off the line, it tilts the matchup toward the home side.
- Ball movement: The Tide’s assist numbers reveal how quickly they can carve up defenses. USF’s rotations must be crisp to disrupt rhythm threes and backcuts.
By the numbers
- Alabama at home: 3-1
- Assists per game (Alabama): 17.6 (sixth in SEC)
- Field-goal percentage (Alabama): 47.7%
- Opponents’ FG% allowed (South Florida): 43.6%
- USF made threes per game: 9.1
- Threes allowed per game (Alabama): 7.7
- USF offensive rebounds per game: 12.4 (fourth in AAC)
- Izaiyah Nelson offensive rebounds per game: 3.9
Bottom line: if Alabama’s efficiency holds and the ball keeps popping, the Tide have the firepower to outpace the Bulls. But if South Florida turns this into a rebounding and perimeter shooting duel, the visitors have a formula to make it uncomfortable for the nation’s 16th-ranked team.
