BIRMINGHAM – Michael Ertel led all scorers with a season-high 21 points on his birthday to lead UAB (11-2, 4-1 C-USA) to a 78-68 victory over Rice (10-5, 4-3 C-USA) on Friday night at Bartow Arena.
Ertel finished the contest with nine field goals, including a pair of 3-pointers. Tyreek Scott-Grayson scored 16 points and pulled down seven rebounds. Tavin Lovan added 14 points and Jalen Benjamin 10 in the win.
The evening was highlighted by the return of Quan Jackson, who saw action for the first time in 34 days. Jackson scored six points and had seven rebounds in 16 minutes.
Rice was led Quincy Olivari with 17 points. All five of his field goals were 3-pointers. Chris Mullins scored 15 for the Owls who drop their second straight contest.
After Rice’s Max Fielder opened the 1st half scoring, UAB went on an 11-0 run over the next 4:12. Ertel’s layup at 14:13 gave the Blazers their first double-digit lead of the game at 15-5. However, the Owls would use a 14-4 run of their own to tie the game at 19-19 with 8:07 remaining.
Scott-Grayson’s 3-pointer on the ensuing possession started an 8-0 run for the Blazers. Benjamin’s layup with 1:08 left in the half closed out the scoring and gave UAB a 35-26 lead heading into halftime.
With the Blazers still leading by nine points, Rice hit four consecutive 3-pointers, including three straight by Olivari, to take its first lead of the half at 47-44 with 13:50 on the clock.
The Blazers stormed back, with a 14-0 run, started and ended by Trey Jemison. His dunk at 10:08 put UAB ahead by 11 points at 58-47. The lead would get as high as 13 points after Ertel’s jumper at 5:03 made the score 72-59.
The Blazers tied season-highs with 16 assists (Benjamin led with five) and shooting 40% from the 3-point range (8-of-20).
UAB’s defense held Rice 11 points under its season scoring average of 79.3 points and limited Fielder, who averaged 11.5 points per game coming into tonight’s contest, to four points.
“This was a good win against a good team,” said head coach Andy Kennedy. “They knocked down a lot of hard shots tonight.”
The Owls made 11 3-pointers including eight in the 2nd half.
“I can’t say enough about Mike. He hit some big shots at the end of the clock. Jalen was much more efficient tonight. But the biggest thing is how he has curtailed his turnovers – tonight, he had five assists without a turnover. We moved Tavin to the four and he was really impressive with some finishes in the 2nd half. I was really pleased with how we shot in the 2nd half.”
UAB shot 58% in the 2nd half, making 17-of-29 shots.
“Earlier this week, Quan passed his strength test. The thing that stood out to me was he played 16 minutes and got seven big rebounds. His presence is invaluable to us. Now that he’s back, we have to slowly get him back to the Quan he was prior to the injury.”
Jackson missed the last four games after getting injured in on Dec. 19 against Chattanooga.
The Blazers return to action tomorrow for the 12th annual Bartow Classic. Tipoff time is 4 p.m. and will be streamed on ESPN+.
GAME NOTES
- In addition to his 21 points, Ertel’s nine field goals was also a season-high
- Ertel scored 14 of those points in the 2nd half
- Scott-Grayson scored a season-high 16 points for the third time this season
- In his two career games vs. Rice at Bartow Arena, Scott-Grayson has scored 46 points
- UAB improves to 15-2 all-time versus Rice
ABOUT THE BARTOW CLASSIC
Established in 2009, the Bartow Classic is named in honor of legendary head coach and athletic director Gene Bartow. Each year this special event continues to raise awareness about the important cancer research conducted at UAB. Bartow, who retired from collegiate coaching in 1996, underwent treatment at the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB for stomach cancer.
INTRODUCING THE BARTOW COLLECTION
In honor of Coach Bartow, the Father of UAB Athletics, UAB is proud to release the revamped Coach Gene Bartow Collection. This is a unique opportunity for fans to buy apparel that includes vintage UAB logos and design inspirations. To purchase memorabilia from the Coach Gene Bartow Collection, click here and here.
A portion of the proceeds will go to the Coach Gene Bartow Fund for Cancer Research.
DONATE TO THE COACH GENE BARTOW FUND FOR CANCER RESEARCH
Established in 2009, the Coach Gene Bartow Fund for Cancer Research helps promote cancer research for the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB. You can donate directly to the Coach Gene Bartow Fund for Cancer Research by clicking here.
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.
