College Basketball Weekend Update
- emeredith55
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
by Elias Meredith 3/2/26 Sportz Nation
SATURDAY:
22 TENNESSEE vs 17 ALABAMA
Saturday, the Alabama Crimson Tide traveled north to Knoxville, Tennessee to face the Tennessee Volunteers. The Crimson Tide looked for revenge after losing to Tennessee in their first matchup in January.
The Alabama guard tandem of Latrell Wrightsell Jr. and Labaron Philon Jr. combined for 48 points in the 71-69 victory, extending their winning streak to 8 games.
The first half started competitive until Tennessee pulled away. At the 7:28 mark of the first half, they would get their first double-digit lead of the day on an 8-3 run.
The Volunteers would also close the half with a double-digit lead after going on a 9-5 run. Senior guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie led the Volunteers with 9 first half points. Senior guard Latrell Wrightsell led Alabama in the first half with 11 points.
At the 12:14 mark of the second half, Alabama faced their biggest deficit of the game at 13 points, nearly 10 minutes later the game was tied at 67.
Sophomore guard Labaron Philon Jr. took over in the second half, and was a key contributor to the Crimson Tide’s double-digit comeback. The Mobile, Alabama native scored 15 of his 23 points in the second half. Philon’s game-winning step back jumper gave Alabama their first lead of the game, with 23 seconds left in regulation.
Key to Victory: Philon’s second half performance
Philon bounced back after finishing with single digits for the first time this season in the last game against LSU. Philon would score 23 off the bench to give Alabama one of their biggest wins of the season.
Next for the Crimson Tide:
Tuesday, March 3 at Georgia Bulldogs at 6:30 PM EST
Next for the Volunteers:
Tuesday, March 3 at South Carolina Gamecocks at 6 PM EST
SUNDAY:
MARYLAND VS RUTGERS
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights traveled to the University of Maryland to face the Terrapins at College Park. The Rutgers junior guard combo of Tariq Francis and Darren Buchanan Jr. combined for 33 points in the 69-65 victory to get only their second road win of the season.
The first half was all Rutgers. The Scarlet Knights closed the half 15-6 run and led by as much as 20 points. Francis would score 9 of the 15 points and finish with 13 points in the first half. Maryland forward Solomon Washington led the Terrapins with 6 first half points.
In the second half, Maryland arose from their slumber. Maryland would go on a 20-2 run that lasted just over 9 minutes, and take their first lead of the game.
At the 4:49 mark of the second half, the game was tied at 54 before Rutgers would go on a 6-0 run.
Maryland was able to cut the lead to two twice in the last 1:19 of regulation, but was not able to get over the hump.
Rutgers would seal the deal at the charity stripe. The Scarlet Knights would go 9/10 from the free throw line to close the game.
Key to Victory: Clutch free throw shooting
Rutgers drew fouls with their aggressive play style and converted when given the opportunity at the free throw line. Rutgers went 9/10 to close the game.
Next for the Scarlet Knights:
Thursday, March 5 at Michigan State Spartans at 8 PM EST
Next for the Terrapins:
Wednesday, March 4 at Wisconsin Badgers at 8 PM EST
Thank you for reading!
Elias Meredith (@EAM_55)
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