The No. 8/9 Alabama men's basketball team opened the Players Era Festival with a 95-85 loss to the No. 12/10 Gonzaga Bulldogs, Monday night inside the MGM Grand Garden Arena. The contest featured eight ties and 11 lead changes before a late run allowed the Bulldogs to secure the win.

Labaron Philon Jr. shined for the Crimson Tide (3-2) as the reigning SEC Player of the Week finished his night with a career-high 29 points on 11-of-18 shooting to go along with seven assists and a pair of steals.

The Tide had three others in double figures, including Amari Allen (14 points), Aiden Sherrell (14 points) and Aden Holloway (13 points). Allen, who was named the SEC Freshman of the Week, led Alabama's bench which contributed 27 points throughout the night.

Gonzaga (6-0) was led offensively by Tyon Grant-Foster and Graham Ike who finished with 21 points apiece. The duo combined for 42 points and 18 rebounds to help the Bulldogs remain unbeaten.