Full Breakdown
Ballin' in Boutwell: Alabama Tops Florida State in Exhibition Showdown
10/17/2025, 2:24:46 PM
Overview of the Event
The "Ballin' in Boutwell" event returned to Birmingham, Alabama, from October 13-16, 2025, featuring a series of college basketball games at the Boutwell Auditorium. This year's event included matchups between prominent programs such as Alabama, Florida State, Auburn, and Oklahoma State. The highlight was the exhibition game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Florida State Seminoles on October 16, where Alabama emerged victorious with a score of 109-105.
Game Summary
In a tightly contested exhibition, Alabama's Labaron Philon led all scorers with a career-high 28 points, shooting 8-of-12 from the field. The game showcased a back-and-forth battle, with Florida State initially taking a 48-47 lead at halftime. Florida State's Robert McCray V had a standout performance, scoring 26 points, including 24 in the second half. The game featured a total of 14 three-pointers made by Florida State, but Alabama's strong second-half performance, including a crucial 15-3 run late in the game, secured their win.
Key Players
- Labaron Philon (Alabama): Scored 28 points, demonstrating his leadership and offensive prowess.
- Robert McCray V (Florida State): Led the Seminoles with 26 points, showcasing his scoring ability in the second half.
- Aden Holloway (Alabama): Contributed significantly with 20 points, including key three-pointers that helped Alabama regain momentum.
Official Statements & Responses
Mayor Randall Woodfin highlighted the significance of the event for Birmingham, stating, "We’re not just hosting games—we’re creating a platform for pride, progress, and connection." Alabama head coach Nate Oats acknowledged the need for improvement despite the win, emphasizing, "If we play like this, we'll be 1-4," pointing to areas such as rebounding and defense that require attention before the regular season.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the victory, concerns were raised regarding Alabama's defensive performance, particularly their inability to contain Florida State's fast-paced offense. Oats noted that the team allowed 23 offensive rebounds and committed 33 fouls, which could pose challenges in upcoming games. Florida State's new head coach, Luke Loucks, expressed optimism about his team's competitiveness, stating, "We have a really good group that works their tails off."
What's Next
Both teams will continue their preparations for the regular season. Alabama's next exhibition is scheduled against Furman on October 26, while Florida State will face Florida A&M on the same day. The outcomes of these games will be critical as both teams aim to refine their strategies and build momentum heading into their respective seasons.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We’re not just hosting games—we’re creating a platform for pride, progress, and connection,” — Randall Woodfin, Mayor of Birmingham
- “If we play like this, we'll be 1-4,” — Nate Oats, Head Coach of Alabama
- “We've got a really good group that works their tails off.” — Luke Loucks, Head Coach of Florida State
This exhibition not only served as a competitive matchup but also as a celebration of college basketball's return to Birmingham, reinforcing the city's growing reputation as a sports destination.
