JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – Jalen Benjamin’s 3-pointer with 34 seconds remaining broke a 59-59 tie and propelled the Blazers to a 65-61 victory over East Tennessee State on Saturday afternoon.
With the win, UAB (6-0) is off to the best start in program history.
Michael Ertel finished with a game-high 19 points on 8-of-16 shooting. Benjamin finished with 16 points which included four 3-pointers. Trey Jemison pulled down 12 rebounds and had three blocks.
Silas Adheke led ETSU (1-3) with 11 points.
The first half had two ties and five lead changes. After the Blazers scored the first four points of the game, the Bucs went on a 7-0 run and would hold the lead until Ertel scored back-to-back baskets to make the score 18-17 at 5:13.
The lead would exchange hands three more times as ETSU took a 25-22 lead into halftime.
Tyreek Scott-Grayson opened up the second half with a 3-pointer to tie the game and two straight 3-pointers from Benjamin put the Blazers ahead 31-26 at the 17:29 mark. The UAB lead would get as high as seven points four different times, the last coming on a Tavin Lovan free throw at 12:02.
ETSU would battle back to tie the score at 49-49 with 5:54 to play and again with 58 seconds remaining.
Ertel’s free throws with 4.8 seconds left sealed the game for UAB.
“This was the first time we have been challenged this late in the game and you have to find a way to stay focused and be locked in,” said head coach Andy Kennedy. “This team continued to battle and grind and stay in it. We made enough timely shots, which helped us overcome our efficiencies.”
Up next for the Blazers is Southern (0-3). The Blazers and Jaguars will meet at Bartow Arena on Wednesday evening. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
GAME NOTES
- Gene Bartow’s 1983-84 team previously had the best start in program history beginning the campaign 5-0
- Ertel’s 19 points, eight field goals and five rebounds were all season-highs
- Ertel is the only Blazer to score in double-figures in every game this season
- UAB has made six 3-pointers in five of their six contests this 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.
