Chase Goodbread, Tuscaloosa NewsThu, February 19, 2026 at 3:17 AM UTC·1 min readAlabama basketball's Labaron Philon needed extra minutes to do it, but the Crimson Tide point guard tallied a career-high 35 points Wednesday night, Feb. 18, in a double-overtime home win over Arkansas, 117-115. In a thrilling victory that gave UA its fifth consecutive SEC victory, the sophomore sparked its team to a comeback win that appeared all but lost well into the second half.
Philon made 11 of 21 field goals, 10 of 13 free throws and delivered seven assists in 41 minutes of action. Although he missed a potential game-winning buzzer-beater at the end of regulation, Philon nevertheless played a key role in the final minutes to help UA secure a 95-95 tie to force overtime.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementPhilon's previous career high, 32 points, came against Mississippi State in January.
Among the most prolific scorers in the college game, Philon routinely got to the rim for layups with penetration and knocked down three 3-pointers as well. He is expected to be a first-round selection in the NBA Draft this summer. He has scored in double digits in every game he's played this season.
Remarkably enough, Philon's career high wasn't the game high.
Arkansas' Darius Acuff poured in 49 points, connecting on six 3-pointers and making 10 of 11 from the free-throw line. The game was tied at 95 at the end of regulation, and Acuff's production was relentless throughout.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementReach Tuscaloosa News columnist Chase Goodbread at [email protected]. Follow on X @chasegoodbread.
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This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Alabama basketball's Labaron Philon sets record in win over Arkansas
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