ESPN analyst shares biggest takeaway from Alabama’s win vs. Hofstra
By Rolando Rosa
Published:
No. 4 seed Alabama overcame a first-half double-digit deficit to defeat No. 13 seed Hofstra 90-70 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday. Alabama advances to face No. 5 seed Texas Tech in the Round of 32 on Sunday.
ESPN analyst Jenna Laine shared her biggest takeaway from Alabama’s first-round victory:
Without their second-leading scorer and their best 3-point shooter, Aden Holloway — who was arrested Monday on felony drug charges — the Crimson Tide were forced to rely on sophomore guard Labaron Philon Jr. He responded, putting up 29 points with eight rebounds and seven assists in the 20-point victory. The Pride did not go quietly, though, with freshman guard Preston Edmead putting up 24 points and going 5-of-10 from behind the arc, with four rebounds and four assists.
Alabama moved on even though it missed 13 of its first 16 3-pointers. The Crimson Tide finished 12 of 36 from the 3-point line overall. However, Alabama held decisive advantages in rebounds (+12) and points in the paint (+16).
Since Nate Oats took over seven years ago, Alabama has reached the NCAA Tournament six times, including a trip to the Final Four in 2014. Texas Tech is coming off a 91-71 win vs. No. 12 seed Akron in the first round.
Here’s the latest Kalshi odds for Alabama’s matchup with the Red Raiders:
