BIRMINGHAM – Down by 14 points to Chattanooga in the second half, the UAB men’s basketball team went on a 25-9 run to take a 66-64 lead with 1:18 remaining. However, the Blazers came up short as the Mocs scored the final five points of the game, coming away with a 69-66 victory on Saturday afternoon at Bartow Arena.
Michael Ertel scored a game-high 18 points for the Blazers (7-1), who fall for the first time this season. Jalen Benjamin recorded 11 of his 14 points in the first half. Trey Jemison grabbed a game-high 12 rebounds along with a pair of blocks. Kassim Nicholson recorded eight points, eight rebounds and a career-high three blocks.
Malachi Smith led Chattanooga (8-0) with double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds.
UAB jumped out of the gates early, taking a 14-2 lead at the 15:22 mark of the first half. The Mocs were able to cut the lead to two points after a Jamaal Walker dunk made the score 18-16 at 11:35. The Blazers answered with eight consecutive points from Benjamin to take back the double-digit lead, 26-16, at the midway point of the half.
After a Tavin Lovan jumper put UAB ahead 28-21, Chattanooga went on a 12-0 run over the next 3:57. Trey Doomes’ layup at 4:59 gave the Mocs its first lead of the game, Josh Ayeni’s basket and a pair of free throws from Stefan Kenic capped the run that made the score 33-28 at the 2:56 mark. Ertel’s jumper closed out the first half scoring with the Blazers trailing 35-31.
Chattanooga kept the second half a two-possession game until back-to-back jumpers from Lovan tied the score 64-64 with 2:44 remaining. Nicholson’s layup gave UAB its first lead of the half at 66-64 with 1:18 remaining as the Blazers scored 10 consecutive points, holding the Mocs scoreless for 3:04.
However, that would be the final tallies for UAB as Chattanooga scored the last five points of the game. UAB had possession with one second remaining trailing 69-66, but could get a shot off as the buzzer sounded.
“These kind of games come down to what I determine as moments of truth,” said head coach Andy Kennedy. “Who can step up in the moments of truth and make the play. And tonight, it was Chattanooga. We’ll take our first “L” in a one-possession game and hopefully we can learn from it.”
UAB closes out the nonconference schedule on Wednesday evening against Georgia Tech in the annual Bartow Classic. The Yellow Jackets (3-3) are coming off a 74-64 victory over Florida A&M on Friday and host Delaware State on Sunday. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. and will be aired nationally on CBS Sports Network.
GAME NOTES
- Ertel had season-highs with nine field goals and six rebounds
- The nine FGs was the most for any Blazers this season
- UAB got to the foul line a season-low nine times
- This was Chattanooga’s first-ever win in Birmingham in 10 tries
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.
