RUSTON, La. – UAB dropped its second consecutive game after falling 69-64 to Louisiana Tech on Saturday afternoon.
The Blazers (16-4, 9-3 C-USA) were led by Tavin Lovan with a game-high 19 points. Quan Jackson added 12 points and Trey Jemison scored six points with a game-high nine rebounds for UAB.
Cobe Williams led Tech (17-6, 10-4 C-USA) with 16 points and five assists. Kenneth Lofton, Jr. scored 13 points with seven rebounds.
After one tie and a pair of lead changes early in the 1st half, LA Tech went on a 10-0 run to take a nine-point lead at 15-6 with 12:35 on the clock. The Blazers chipped away at the lead, using a 16-6 run to take a one-point advantage at 22-21 with 4:29 remaining.
With the score deadlocked at 31-31, Williams’ hit a deep 3-pointer as the buzzer sounded, putting the Bulldogs ahead 34-31 going into halftime.
The Blazers made 50% of their shots in the 1st half, converting 14-of-28 attempts.
After the teams exchanged two baskets apiece, Tech used an 8-0 run to take a 46-35 lead with 16:31 left in the 2nd half. UAB answered a 12-0 run capped by a Michael Ertel jumper that gave the Blazers a 47-46 lead at 12:13.
The Bulldogs would regain a six-point lead before three straight baskets by UAB finished by Jackson’s 3-pointer put the Blazers ahead 55-54 with 5:34 to play. On the ensuing possession, Williams hit a 3-pointer, giving Tech a lead they would hold the rest of the contest.
The Blazers made it a one-possession game with 25 seconds left when Jackson’s 3-pointer made the score 67-64, but that would be UAB’s final basket of the game.
UAB out-rebounded LA Tech 35-32 and had 16 points off turnovers to the Bulldogs’ 10.
“We knew our margin of error was razor thin when you are playing quality teams,” said head coach Andy Kennedy. “You have to make free throws and you have to finish inside. And that’s why LA Tech got the sweep.”
Next up, UAB hosts Rust College on Feb. 16 at Bartow Arena with a tipoff time of 6 p.m. Tickets have been sent out via email. For fans who wish to have paper tickets printed and left at will call, contact the UAB Athletics Ticket Office at 205-975-8221.
The game will be streamed through CUSA.TV. This is a subscription-based service that offers a variety of packages. Click here to register a new account.
The Blazers remain at home to face Old Dominion on Feb. 19 and Feb. 20. Tipoff times will be 6:30 p.m. and 3 p.m., respectively. Both games will air on Stadium.
OF NOTE
- Jackson surpassed 1,3000 career-points
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.
