Recap: Alabama vs. Villanova

New York, NY (Sports Network) - Behind a career-high 25 points from Trevor Releford, the Alabama Crimson Tide pulled away from the Villanova Wildcats in the second half to win the 2K Sports Classic title at Madison Square Garden, 77-55.

Releford shot 8-of-10 from the field, including a perfect 5-of-5 from three- point range for the Tide (4-0). Rodney Cooper was the only other Alabama player to score in double figures with 17.

For Villanova (3-0), Jayvaughn Pinkston tallied 17 points and Ryan Arcidiacono chipped in with 11 points.

Alabama shot 50 percent from the field in the first half while Villanova made just 30 percent of its field goals, but the Wildcats were able to keep the game close thanks to an 11-of-14 effort from the foul line. The Tide went into intermission with a 29-26 advantage.

The Wildcats actually scored the first five points of the second half to take a two-point lead, but from there Alabama ripped off a 19-4 run and led by double digits from that point forward.

Villanova finished with nearly as many turnovers (14) as field goals made (15) on the night.