As No. 8 Alabama prepares to face UNLV in their next game, Coach Nate Oats is urging for increased support for standout player Labaron Philon Jr. after a challenging opening night at the Players Era men’s tournament. Both teams are seeking to rebound from losses, with Alabama (3-2) falling to No. 12 Gonzaga 95-85, where Philon shone with 29 points and seven assists. However, the rest of Alabama’s starting lineup struggled, contributing only 29 points collectively.
Oats highlighted the necessity for Philon’s teammates to step up, noting that relying solely on Philon’s scoring is not viable for achieving victory at a high level in college basketball. He pointed out that Philon must also enhance his own game, suggesting improvements in rebounding and ball handling. “We can’t ask Philon to score 40 to win the game… some of that’s on him. He’s got to set his teammates up a little bit better to score,” Oats commented.
On the other hand, UNLV (3-3) also faced disappointment in their opener, losing 74-67 to Maryland. Despite this, the Runnin’ Rebels showed resilience and energy throughout the match, holding the lead for a significant period. Under the guidance of new head coach Josh Pastner, who previously led Memphis and Georgia Tech, UNLV has adopted a fast-paced style reminiscent of their successful history. This shift aims to revitalize the team’s approach following struggles with a slower, less effective offense.
However, UNLV’s defensive weaknesses remain a concern, as they have allowed generous scoring from opponents. Pastner expressed optimism about the team’s defensive improvements, stating that their hard work in practice is beginning to pay off. “I think we can be a really good defensive team,” he noted.
With the backdrop of both teams seeking redemption after opening losses, the matchup between Alabama and UNLV promises to bring excitement and urgency as they strive to find their footing in the tournament.