Philon and the Crimson Tide went to work. By the time halftime arrived, Philon had scored 15 points and made two triples, one of which erased the deficit and put Alabama up 37-36 late in the first half. The Crimson Tide went on a 13-2 run at one point to claw back into the game. By the break, the game was tied 43-43.

Labaron Philon left the game with Vanderilt due to an injury, later explained to be full body cramping by head coach Nate Oats.