BIRMINGHAM – For the first time since the 2009-10 season, the UAB men’s basketball team has started the year 9-1 after their 62-58 victory over Southern Miss on Saturday evening, completing the season sweep.
Tyreek Scott-Grayson tied his season-high by scoring 16 points for the second straight game. Tavin Lovan had a career-high seven assists along with 10 points. Jalen Benjamin added 11 points and Trey Jemison pulled down a game-high eight rebounds for the Blazers who are a perfect 2-0 in Conference USA play.
Tyler Stevenson scored a game-high 18 points for the Golden Eagles (5-6, 1-3 C-USA).
For the second straight game, the Blazers led wire-to-wire and scored the first eight points of the game. UAB went up by double-digits midway through the 1st half on a Benjamin 3-pointer that made the score 18-8.
The UAB defense held USM to one field goal for the final 3:39 of the half, as the Blazers would take a 28-22 lead into halftime.
UAB started the first five minutes of the 2nd half on a 13-5 run to take its largest lead of the game at 14 points after back-to-back jumpers by Rongie Gordon made the score 41-27.
With the Blazers ahead 57-46 at 6:51, USM went on a 10-0 run to get within one point at the 2:38 mark. On the next possession, Scott-Grayson hit his fourth 3-pointer of the night to put UAB up 60-56.
DeAndre Pinckney was fouled on the Golden Eagles’ next trip up the floor and converted both free throws to made it a one possession game, 60-58, at 2:09.
With the score still 60-58 and USM ball, Jay Malone’s pass under the UAB basket went off LaDavius Draine’s fingers out of bounds with 13.3 seconds remaining. Benjamin was fouled after the inbounds pass and made both free throws with 7.4 seconds left to close out the scoring.
“You got to feel good about your chances at home when your opponent comes in and cannot get to the 60-point mark. And tonight, they got 58,” said head coach Andy Kennedy. “We got huge stops at their end, Jalen Benjamin hits two huge free throws, good guys win.”
“The MVP of the game was Simeon Kirkland. Huge, huge minutes by Simeon. I’m so proud of him. Tonight, he made a huge statement for us. Without him, we do not win this game.”
Coming into this afternoon’s game, Kirkland played a total of 15 minutes. Today, he saw 18 minutes of playing time, going 2-for-2 from the field as well as the foul line for six points. He added six rebounds – all career-highs.
“Now we have to do this on the road, another challenge for this team. A back-to-back against a quality Charlotte team.”
UAB heads to Charlotte for a pair of games – Friday at 4 p.m. and Saturday at 3 p.m. The 49ers (5-5, 1-1 C-USA) games against Marshall were postponed this weekend. They are playing Division II Belmont Abbey later tonight.
GAME NOTES
- UAB is the only undefeated team in Conference USA play
- This is the seventh Blazer team to start out 9-1 – in addition to the 2009-10 team, 1983-84, 1985-86, 1991-92, 1992-93 and 1993-94 teams all had nine wins in the first 10 games
- Michael Ertel finished with four points – the first time this season he has not scored in double-figures
- This was Kennedy’s 275th career victory
- UAB leads the all-time series 34-19 and 20-6 in Birmingham
MEN’S BASKETBALL TICKET INFORMATION
In compliance with CDC and state and local public health guidance, UAB adjusted the seating manifest to adhere to social distancing at Bartow Arena for the 2020-21 season. UAB reallocated season ticket holders who had completed their purchase of season tickets through October 19 and placed season ticket holders based on Blazer Boosters Priority Points and the price type of tickets purchased. As a reminder, original season ticket locations prior to the social distancing reallocation will be utilized for 2021-22 renewals or if capacity restrictions change during the 2020-21 season.
Due to social distancing guidelines, men’s basketball single game tickets and walk up sales are not be available to the public for the 2020-21 season.
Fans interested in season tickets are encouraged to fill out the season ticket request form or contact the UAB Ticket Office at (205) 975-UAB1. A member of the UAB Athletics Sales and Service team will be in touch if capacity restrictions are lifted or when 2021-22 season tickets become available.
