BIRMINGHAM – Seven players scored in double-figures as the UAB men’s basketball team remained undefeated at 7-0 after defeating Southern 88-46 on Wednesday night at Bartow Arena.
Jalen Benjamin led all scorers with 15 points. Tyreek Scott-Grayson had a season-high 13 points. Quan Jackson also scored 13. Michael Ertel and Tavin Lovan added 12 and 11 respectively. Kassim Nicholson recorded his first career double-double with 10 points and a career-high-tying 11 rebounds. Rongie Gordon scored 10 points and pulled down six rebounds, both career-highs.
Damiree Burns led Southern (0-4) with 12 points and 11 rebounds.
With the first half tied at 10-10, UAB scored 10 straight points over the 4:11 to take their first double-digit lead at 20-10 at the 9:07 mark. Lovan’s layup at 7:23 started a 21-0 run over the next 5:27, giving the Blazers a commanding 30-point lead at 45-15. Back-to-back field goals form Ertel closed out the first half scoring with UAB leading 51-20.
The Blazers outscored the Jaguars 24-9 in the first 10 minutes of the second half to build a 75-29 lead. Benjamin’s and-1 made the score 86-35 at 3:43 and would give UAB its largest lead of the game at 51 points. They would match that lead after Gordon drained a pair of free throws with 3:02 left putting the Blazers ahead 88-37.
“Our energy was good and we were attacking downhill, hitting on all cylinders,” said head coach Andy Kennedy. “I thought we did a good job of playing to the strength of this team, which is through the paint right at the front of the rim.”
The Blazers outscored the Jaguars 46-30 in the paint, which included 16 points on dunks.
“This was a good win for us, the most important thing is we got through it healthy and whole. We’re at 7-0 facing a Chattanooga team that also won tonight, and they’ll come in here 7-0 as well.”
The Blazers host the Mocs on Saturday afternoon. Tipoff at Bartow Arena is 2 p.m.
GAME NOTES
The 46 points allowed and 30.2% opponent field goal percentage are season-bests for UAB’s defenseAdditionally, the 46 points allowed is the best defensive effort for UAB since they gave up 45 points to Alabama A&M on Nov. 29, 2016The Blazers’ 51-point lead ties UAB’s largest this season (Alcorn State)Ertel is the only Blazer to score in double-figures in every game this seasonNicholson also had 11 rebounds versus Troy earlier 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.
