MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – UAB closed out the game on a 29-8 run, overcoming a 10-point 2nd half deficit to take home a 70-59 victory at Middle Tennessee on Thursday night. The game was broadcast nationally on CBS Sports Network.
The Blazers (13-2, 6-1 C-USA) were led by Tavin Lovan, who scored a game-high 23 points. Tyreek Scott-Grayson and Jalen Benjamin added 15 and 13 points respectively. Trey Jemison recorded his third double-double of the season with 10 points and 13 rebounds.
The Blue Raiders (3-10, 1-6 C-USA) were led by Dontrell Shuler with 16 points. Jo’Vante Miller-Criss had a double-double of 11 points and 11 rebounds.
The 1st half saw four ties and a pair of lead changes before an 8-0 UAB run – started by back-to-back 3-pointers from Scott-Grayson – put the Blazers ahead 16-8 at the 13:41 mark. With the Blazers ahead 27-23 at 5:10, the Blue Raiders closed out the half on an 11-2 run to take a 34-29 lead into halftime.
Middle Tennessee would stretch its lead to nine points at 46-37 at the under-16 media timeout and 10 points at the midway point of the 2nd half. Down 51-41, the Blazers erupted for 13 straight points as a Lovan dunk tied the score and a Benjamin 3-pointer gave UAB the lead at 54-51 with 6:37 left.
After a pair of Shuler free throws, the Blazers scored the next nine points to take a 10-point lead at 63-53 with 3:19 to play. Scott-Grayson’s layup gave UAB its largest lead of the game at 13 points with 31 seconds left.
The UAB defense held MT to just two field goals in the final 9:52.
“Coming off being named Player of the Week, Tavin hit a little bit of a flat tire early, but then we got him out in the open floor where he is as good as anybody in this league,” said head coach Andy Kennedy.
Lovan finished 10-of-17 from the field with six rebounds and four assists.
“Trey gave us some huge minutes. A big double-double with some huge rebounds in the 2nd half.”
Jemison had eight of his rebounds in the 2nd half and had seven offensive boards.
“These kind of performances allows you to overcome a night when you go 7-for-14 from the free throw line and 5-for-23 from 3-point range and you can still win by 11 points.”
The Blazers return home to Bartow Arena on Sunday afternoon to close out the series against the Blue Raiders. Tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. and the game will be streamed on ESPN+.
GAME NOTESThis was Lovan’s sixth career 20-point gameUAB outscored MT 46-18 in the paint and 14-2 on fast break pointsThe Blazers had 23 second chance points and 29 points off turnoversThe 1983-84, 1985-86, 1991-92, 1993-94 and 2009-10 squads all had at least 13 victories in the first 15 games of the season
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.
