BIRMINGHAM – Tavin Lovan scored a career-high 32 points and added a game-high 11 rebounds as UAB completed the weekend sweep of Rice, 86-74 on Saturday evening. The game was the 12th annual Bartow Classic, which honored the Founding Father of UAB Athletics, Gene Bartow.
Tyreek Scott-Grayson scored a season-high 18 points – making 4-of-5 3-pointers. Quan Jackson added 10 points off the bench for the Blazers, who improve to 12-2, 5-1 C-USA.
Quincy Olivari led Rice (10-6, 4-4 C-USA) with 21 points before fouling out. Max Fielder recorded a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds.
UAB got off to another hot start, taking an 11-point lead at the 15:14 mark of the 1st half after Kassim Nicholson’s jumper made the score 18-7. Much like last night, Rice came back with a run, scoring 24 of the game’s next 33 points to take a four-point lead at 31-27 with 6:54 remaining.
And again, much like last night, UAB responded with a 15-2 run over the next 3:59 to go ahead 42-33 at the 2:55 mark. Lovan closed out the scoring with his eighth field goal of the 1st half to give UAB a 50-39 lead heading into halftime.
The Blazers made 20-of-40 field goal attempts in the half.
Rice battled back cutting the Blazers’ advantage to one point after opening the 2nd half on a 13-3 run. However, UAB would rebuild the lead back to double-figures by the midway point of the half at 69-59. Jackson’s second 3-pointer of the game with 90 seconds remaining gave the Blazers their largest lead of the game at 13 points, 84-71.
“Tavin Lovan was aggressive from tap-to-finish. He’ll be the Conference USA player of the Week,” said head coach Andy Kennedy.
Lovan was 13-of-22 shooting, 6-of-7 from the foul line and added five assists. The 13 FGs were a career-best. For the weekend, he scored 46 points, shot 62.1% from the field (18-of-29) and made 10-of-12 free throws.
“Tavin’s roommate, Tyreek Scott-Grayson, had two tremendous games as well. And when those guys play the way that they have this weekend, we have a pretty good team.”
Scott-Grayson is coming off a 16-point game last night and added season-highs seven rebounds and four assists.
“This was a pretty good all-around effort for the Blazers. We led for 34 minutes tonight, 35 last night – and that’s how you get a home sweep against a solid team.”
Kennedy concluded the press conference by talking about Coach Bartow.
“I coach for the standard that Coach Bartow set every game. He is the reason this program is what it is and I have had first-hand experience of what it is capable of. And it’s my goal to return it to that standard.”
The next series for UAB is against Middle Tennessee. The first game will be on Thur. Jan. 28 in Murfreesboro, with an 8 p.m. tipoff. It will be broadcast nationally on CBS Sports Network. The Blazers host the Blue Raiders on Sun. Jan. 31 at Bartow Arena. That contest had a 2 p.m. tipoff and will be streamed on ESPN+.
GAME NOTES
- Lovan’s previous career-high was 25 against Middle Tennessee on Feb. 12, 2020
- The 32-point performance is the highest for a UAB player since Chad Frazier scored 32 against Nebraska on Nov. 22, 2013
- The Blazers outscored the Owls 36-26 in the paint and had 23 points off Rice turnovers
- This was the third time this season UAB scored 50 points in a half
- The Blazers’ five turnovers ties a season-low
- UAB improves to 16-2 all-time over 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.
TICKET TRANSFER
Season ticket holders that cannot make it to the game are encouraged to transfer their game tickets. Click here (PDF) to learn more on how to transfer your tickets to a friend.
