BIRMINGHAM – Trey Jemison recorded a double-double with career-highs of 13 points and 14 rebounds along with three blocks in UAB’s 73-48 victory over Kennesaw State on Wednesday evening. Michael Ertel scored a team-high 16 points, Jalen Benjamin 11 and Quan Jackson added 10 along with seven rebounds while being a +27 as the Blazers open the season a perfect 3-0.
KSU’s Spencer Rodgers scored a game-high 17 points as the Owls were handed their first loss of the season.
With the game tied at 14-14 midway through the 1st half, UAB went on a 17-4 run capped by a Tyreek Scott-Grayson 3-pointer at 5:28 to make the score 31-18. The Blazers would only allow one more field goal the remainder of the half as Ertel’s 3-pointer closed out the scoring giving UAB a 43-22 lead heading into halftime.
A 10-0 run beginning at 9:28 of the 2nd half, finished by four straight points from Jemison, made the score 66-38 and gave the Blazers their largest lead of the game at 28 points. UAB would hold another 28 point lead after Tavin Lovan scored five straight points making the score 70-42 with 4:25 remaining.
The Blazers ended the game with 12 steals and scored 22 points off 19 KSU turnovers. They dominated in the paint, outscoring the Owls 38-22 and won the rebound battle 46-38.
“Trey Jemison’s presence was huge with 13 points, 14 rebounds and three big blocks. He’s going to have a 20-and-15 night sooner rather than later,” said head coach Andy Kennedy. “He continues to stay focused, persevere and has the best energy in the gym every day. I’m really proud of the way he’s played. He deserved a night like tonight.”
The Blazers remain at home to face Troy (1-1) on Sunday. Tipoff time is 2 p.m. The Trojans were scheduled to play Wake Forest tonight, but that game was canceled. Now Troy will travel to Lubbock to face No. 17 Texas Tech on Friday night.
GAME NOTES
- This is the second straight game that Jemison recorded career-high in points – he scored 12 in Saturday’s win over Southeastern Louisiana
- Jemison’s previous career rebounding high was seven at Notre Dame on Feb. 9, 2020
- Ertel tied a career-high with three steals
- 16 of UAB’s 46 rebounds were on the offensive end
- In 71 minutes played this season, Benjamin only has one turnover
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.
A limited number of 2020-21 season tickets remain in the upper level. Fans interested in season tickets can fill out the season ticket request form or contact the UAB Ticket Office at 205-975-8221.
Due to social distancing guidelines, men’s basketball single game tickets and walk up sales will not be available to the public for the 2020-21 season. Season tickets are the only way to secure a seat at Bartow Arena.
Conference USA recently adopted its COVID-19 game operations guidelines for the 2020-21 basketball season, and as a result, all patron courtside seating has been eliminated for the upcoming basketball season.
