BIRMINGHAM – Kassim Nicholson recorded a double-double of 10 points and 12 rebounds and Trey Jemison added 12 points, six rebounds and five blocks as the UAB men’s basketball team improved to 14-2, 7-1 C-USA after a 63-52 victory over Middle Tennessee (3-11, 1-7 C-USA) on Sunday afternoon. With the win, the Blazers become only the sixth team in program history to win 14 of its first 16 games.
Michael Ertel scored 12 points, Tavin Lovan and Jalen Benjamin added 11 points each as the Blazers completed the sweep over the Blue Raiders. Quan Jackson grabbed eight rebounds in the winning effort.
MT’s Jordan Davis scored 12 of his game-high 14 points in the 1st half. Jayce Johnson added 13 for Middle, who dropped its sixth straight contest.
The 1st half was close throughout, with one tie and five lead changes. UAB took a 12-11 lead on Rongie Gordon’s jumper at 13:30, but MT answered by scoring the next seven points to go ahead 18-12 at the midway point of the half. They would hold the lead the rest of the way and take a 32-27 advantage into halftime.
The Blue Raiders opened the 2nd half with back-to-back field goals, giving them its largest lead of the game, nine points at 36-27. With Middle leading 41-36 at the 11:33 mark, the Blazers went on a 16-0 run over the next six minutes to go ahead 52-41 with 5:20 remaining. During the run, Benjamin scored eight points in two minutes and 18 seconds.
The closest MT would get to tying would be seven points twice, with the later coming with 2:19 remaining in the contest.
The Blazers outrebounded the Blue Raiders 40-33 and had 17 assists (led by Ertel’s four) on 20 field goals.
“This was a quality win, it’s never easy going back-to-back. Some adversity hit us today, but our guys didn’t flinch and we got to win number 14,” said head coach Andy Kennedy.
“Kassim was outstanding, as was Trey. Our bigs did a good job of utilizing space and making plays. With their six offensive rebounds, we had second and third chance opportunities.”
The Blazers had 13 second chance points.
“Defensively in the 2nd half I thought we were outstanding, we did a great job at dominating the glass.”
UAB outrebounded Middle 25-15 in the second half.
The Blazers remain home for the next series when they host UTEP on Feb. 5 (6:30 p.m.) and Feb. 6. (4 p.m.). Both contests will be streamed on ESPN+.
GAME NOTES
- Coach Bartow’s squads in 1983-84, 1985-86, 1991-92 and 1993-94 teams as well as the 2009-10 team also began the season 14-2
- The victory also ties the best Conference USA start with the 2015-16 team
- Jemison tied his career-best with six field goals
- This was UAB’s fifth consecutive victory over Middle Tennessee
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.
