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Philon's 24 Leads Alabama Past Illinois in Chicago

PUBLISHED Nov 20, 2025, 1:04 PM ET

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Media Bias Meter

Sources: 22

Center 100%

Sources: 22

CHICAGO — Labaron Philon scored 24 points and led No. 11 Alabama to a 90-86 victory over No. 8 Illinois at the United Center Nov. 19, 2025. Philon made three 3-pointers, had five assists and produced ten final minutes points to close the game. Taylor Bol Bowen added 12 and Aden Holloway 11; Illinois’ Andrej Stojakovic scored 26 and Kylan Boswell 22. The win followed a loss to Purdue and a victory over St. John’s; Philon had then withdrawn from the NBA draft months earlier to return to Alabama, per team statements. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

By Sarah Whitman | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Months earlier: Philon entered then withdrew from the NBA draft, informing Alabama and the NIL collective.
Early November 2025: Alabama defeated No. 5 St. John’s at Madison Square Garden.
Mid-November 2025: Alabama lost to No. 2 Purdue in a nonconference game in Birmingham.
Nov. 19, 2025: Alabama beat No. 8 Illinois 90-86 at the United Center; Philon scored 24 with a late decisive stretch.
Postgame Nov. 19–20, 2025: Media and coach quotes highlighted Philon’s late-game sequence and his roster decision context.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 22
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 22

Who Benefited

Labaron Philon and the Alabama basketball program benefited from his decision to return, as Philon’s 24-point performance helped secure a high-profile win and generated increased media attention for the team.

Who Impacted

Illinois and its players, despite strong scoring from Andrej Stojakovic and Kylan Boswell, suffered a narrow 90-86 loss that cost the team a top-10 victory at the United Center on Nov. 19, 2025.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 22
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 22
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 100%, Right 0%

Who Benefited

Who Impacted

Illinois and its players, despite strong scoring from Andrej Stojakovic and Kylan Boswell, suffered a narrow 90-86 loss that cost the team a top-10 victory at the United Center on Nov. 19, 2025.