BIRMINGHAM – Trey Jemison’s double-double of a career-high 14 points and 13 rebounds, along with four blocks led UAB past UTEP 63-51 for its fifth straight victory on Friday night at Bartow Arena.
The Blazers (15-2, 8-1) become the fourth squad in program history to begin the season with at least 15 wins in the first 17 games. Additionally, only one other UAB team has started the Conference USA season 8-1.
Quan Jackson scored a team-high 18 points and Michael Ertel added 14 points. Kassim Nicholson grabbed eight rebounds.
Souley Boum scored a game-high 22 points and Bryson Williams added 19 for the Miners (8-9, 4-7 C-USA).
The Blazers, who led wire-to-wire, had an eight-point lead at 13:01 of the 1st half when Jackson’s and-1 made the score 14-6. UAB would extend the lead to 11 points at 8:38 after back-to-back field goals from Jalen Benjamin. A late 10-2 run by UTEP made it a one possession game with 2:41 left in the half before Jackson’s layup closed out the scoring, sending the game into halftime with UAB ahead 32-28.
The Blazers came out of the gates with three straight field goals to open the 2nd half and reclaim the double-figure lead at 38-28. The Miners would get within five points of tying the game on three different occasions, the last coming at 11:55 with UAB leading 45-40. The Blazers’ largest lead of the game was 14 points after a pair of Ertel free throws made the score 58-44.
“The MVP of the game was Trey Jemison,” said head coach Andy Kennedy. “14 points, 13 rebounds, four blocks and he played 34 minutes against one of the better post players in Conference USA in Bryson Williams. He anchored us on both ends.”
“We were great getting to the glass and to the free throw line which helped us finish the game,” added Kennedy.
UAB out-rebounded UTEP 43-32 and outscored the Miners in the paint 42-32. From the foul line, the Blazers made 14-of-18 (77.8%).
The Blazers remain home against UTEP on Saturday afternoon at 4 p.m. The game will be streamed on ESPN+.
GAME NOTES
- Coach Bartow’s squads in 1985-86 and 1993-94 as well as the 2009-10 team also began the season 15-2
- The victory also ties the best Conference USA start with the 2015-16 team
- This is the fifth time this season UAB has held the opponent under 51 points
- Jemison’s previous career-high was 13 points against Kennesaw State
- His other double-doubles came against Kennesaw, Troy and Middle Tennessee
- The starting lineup of Tyreek Scott-Grayson, Ertel, Tavin Lovan, Nicholson and Jemison is 6-1
- UAB improves to 9-2 against UTEP in Birmingham
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.
