TUSCALOOSA, Ala.— The No. 4 Alabama basketball team made good on the first phase of freshman guard Labaron Philon’s word Tuesday night, protecting home court against a Vanderbilt squad with momentum from a weekend upset.

The Crimson Tide outscored the Commodores 54-32 in the paint and won the battle on the glass 44-39 while holding Vanderbilt to nearly 10% below its usual field goal percentage of 47.1. It started inside as Alabama came out as the more aggressive and physical team, and the Tide didn't let up through all 40 minutes.

Vanderbilt basketball's AJ Hoggard was called for a technical foul against Alabama on Tuesday. Hoggard was called for a common foul as the Crimson Tide's Mark Sears drove to the basket, then Hoggard appeared to say something to an official after the foul call.