No. 12 Gonzaga meets No. 8 Alabama at Players Era Festival

Nov. 24—First half

11:08 — BAMA 17, GU 15: Alabama holds a narrow lead about mid-way through the first half.

The Zags are only shooting 33% from the field but have stayed in the game with offensive rebounding.

15:27 — BAMA 9, GU 7: Labaran Philon Jr. has Alabama ahead early with five points.

Tyon Grant-Foster has five early points for the Zags.

Both teams are looking to push the pace.

Starting 5s

Gonzaga starters: Mario Saint-Supery, Tyon Grant-Foster, Adam Miller, Braden Huff, Graham Ike.

Alabama starters: Aden Holloway, Labaron Philon Jr., Houston Mallette, Taylor Bol Bowen, Aiden Sherrell.

Pregame

Gonzaga (5-0) will look to assert itself as one of the best teams in the country in a top-15 nonconference matchup against No. 8 Alabama (3-1).

Although it's a neutral site game, Gonzaga should be represented well at the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas.

The Zags last played a week ago, dismantling Southern Utah in the Kennel.

Labaran Philon Jr. and the Crimson Tide will post a greater threat. Gonzaga's defense will be tested against Alabama's lead guard who is averaging 20.5 points and 5.8 assists per game.

Game preview

Key matchup: Shifty Alabama guard Labaron Philon Jr. should command plenty of attention from Gonzaga

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