BIRMINGHAM – UAB (10-2, 3-1 C-USA) returns to Bartow Arena this weekend when it hosts Rice (10-4, 4-2 C-USA) for two games on Jan. 22 (6:30 p.m.) and Jan. 23 (4 p.m.).
BARTOW CLASSIC TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY
Saturday’s game will be the 12th annual 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.
UAB LATELY
The Blazers are coming off a split at Charlotte last weekend. On Jan. 15, UAB opened up the game on a 24-1 run en route to a 61-37 victory. The following day, Charlotte handed the Blazers its first conference setback of the year 70-55. The Blazers are No. 1 in the country in scoring defense, allowing only 56.4 points per game.
RICE LATELY
Rice split its series with Old Dominion, winning the Jan. 15 game 69-59 before falling 61-58 on Saturday. The Owls are third in Conference USA in scoring, averaging 79.3 points per game. Quincy Olivari (15.7 ppg) and Travis Evee (15.5 ppg) are the team’s leading scorers and rank ninth and 10th respectively in the league. The duo is first and second in the conference in 3-point field goal percentage and 3-pointers per game. Max Fielder is second in C-USA averaging 9.5 rebounds per game and leads the league with a 68.8 field goal percentage.
UAB AND RICE HISTORY
The series began in 1980 when Rice came to Birmingham for the UAB Classic, a 78-60 Blazers victory. The teams did not meet again until 2006 after Rice joined Conference USA. The Blazers have dominated the series, winning 14 of the 16 games.
UAB AND RICE ALL-TIME
OVERALL: UAB leads 14-2
IN BIRMINGHAM: UAB leads 7-1
IN HOUSTON: UAB leads 7-1
COMMON OPPONENTS
UAB and Rice have six common opponents this season: LA Tech, North Texas, Old Dominion, Southern Miss, UTEP and UTSA.
AK VS. RICE
UAB head coach Andy Kennedy has faced Rice one time, a 79-62 on Nov. 22, 2017 when he was head coach at Ole Miss.
DID YOU KNOW?
Tyreek Scott-Grayson scored a career-high 30 points in last season’s game against Rice.
D-ING UP
In addition to being first in the nation in scoring defense, the Blazers are fifth in turnover margin (+6.4), eighth in 3-point point field goal defense (26.8), ninth in field goal percentage defense (37.7) and 11th in scoring margin (+20.5).
RADIO
Blazer men’s basketball games are set to air on 100.5 ESPN JOX 2 with David Crane and Murry Bartow on the call.
In addition, Crane will host Blazer Sportsline every Tuesday during Conference USA play. The show takes place live from Iron City Grill in downtown Birmingham and feature men’s basketball head coach Andy Kennedy and women’s basketball head coach Randy Norton.
The nine-episode show, airs from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Blazer Sportsline can be heard on 100.5 ESPN JOX 2 and fans will be encouraged to tweet questions to @BlazersLIMGC.
Fans may also follow the Blazers this season by downloading the free TuneIn Radio app, online through Blazers All-Access at UABSports.com, or on the UAB Gameday mobile app.
STREAMING
Friday’s game will be streamed through CUSA.TV. This is a subscription-based service that offers a variety of packages. Click here to register a new account.
Saturday’s game will be streamed through ESPN+. This is also a subscription-based service. Click here to register a new account.
UP NEXT
The Blazers travel to Middle Tennessee on Jan. 28 and return home Jan. 31 to face the Blue Raiders. Tipoff times will be 8 p.m. and 2 p.m., respectively.
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.
