RUSTON, La. – The UAB defense held LA Tech to just 20 points in the second half while the Blazers shot 54.5 percent en route to a 71-51 victory in Ruston on Saturday afternoon.
A balanced offensive attack saw five Blazers score in double figures with 15 a piece from Rachael Childress and Trista Magee, 13 from Miyah Barnes, 11 from Imani Johnson and 10 from Zakyia Weathersby. The second half was highlighted by a shutdown defensive performance from the Blazers as the Green and Gold held LA Tech to 23.3 percent shooting in the half.
The first quarter went back and forth as the Blazers and Lady Techsters traded baskets resulting in a 15-15 tie after 10 minutes of play.
UAB (13-7, 5-3 C-USA) took the 32-31 advantage into half time after Johnson scored seven of the Blazers’ 17 points in the second quarter including a free throw that gave UAB the one-point lead.
The Green and Gold came out strong in the second half going on 12-0 run to increase the lead to 13 with 2:40 remaining in the third quarter. UAB shot a blistering 70.0 percent in the third quarter with six different Blazers recording points as UAB went to the line eight times.
Louisiana Tech (10-8, 2-5 C-USA) was held to six points in the final 10 minutes of play and did not record a basket until the 6:37 mark in the fourth quarter. Weathersby recorded six of her 10 points in the quarter for her third straight double-digit scoring performance.
“I thought the difference in the game was the team’s defensive effort in the second half,” said head coach Randy Norton. “We played with great toughness and grit. LA Tech is tough to beat, especially on its home court. Also thought our bench gave us some quality minutes which was key for us.”
The Blazers recorded nine blocks on the afternoon with four from Weathersby, two from Angela Vendrell and Magee and one from Childress. Vendrell put up an impressive performance leading the team in assists (9), rebounds (7) and steals (5). The win marked the fourth straight for UAB who started out 1-3 in C-USA play.
UAB will be back at home Thursday, Jan. 30 at 11 a.m. against UTSA for Education Day.
Secure your women’s basketball season tickets by purchasing the 2019-20 Gold Card for $65 here. The Gold Card is an exclusive offer that grants you admission into all women’s basketball, men’s and women’s soccer, volleyball, baseball and softball events for the upcoming academic year. Contact the UAB Ticket Office at (205) 975-UAB1 for more details.
For more information on the UAB women’s basketball team, follow the Blazers on Twitter (@UAB_WBB) and Instagram (UAB_WBBall).
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