BIRMINGHAM – The UAB men’s basketball team is off to its best start in program history at 6-0 heading into Wednesday night’s matchup against Southern at Bartow Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
UAB LATELY
Jalen Benjamin’s 3-pointer with 34 seconds remaining broke a 59-59 tie and propelled the Blazers to a 65-61 victory at ETSU on Saturday. 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. Quan Jackson recorded four steals.
SOUTHERN LATELY
The Jaguars (0-3) are coming off a 79-44 loss at Arkansas on Dec. 9. Jayden Saddler led SU with nine points and six rebounds. In its three games this season, Southern has been outscored on average 89-66. Ashante Shivers, Brendon Brooks and Saddler each average 11.0 ppg for the Jags.
UAB AND SOUTHERN HISTORY
UAB is unblemished in the series, winning all five games. The Blazers have scored 83 or more points in four of those matchups and have eclipsed the century mark twice.
LAST TIME AGAINST SOUTHERN
Chris Cokley’s tip in at the buzzer lifted UAB to a 75-74 overtime victory over Southern on Dec. 18, 2016.
AK VS. THE SWAC
Kennedy is a perfect 15-0 against teams from the SWAC.
D-ING UP
As a team, the Blazers rank fifth in the country in field-goal percentage defense. Opponents are only shooting 33% against UAB this season. The 56.2 points per game is the 18th lowest in the NCAA.
WE GOT A STEAL
Graduate transfer Quan Jackson is third in the NCAA in steals (22) and sixth steals per game (3.7). He ranks first in Conference USA in total steals and steals per game.
TALL TREY
Trey Jemison returned home to Birmingham in April after playing two seasons at Clemson. The 7-0 junior center ranks second in the NCAA in blocks (22) and fourth in blocks per game (3.7). He is second in Conference USA in both categories.
ON THE DOUBLE
Jemison has recorded a pair double-doubles this season. In UAB’s win over Kennesaw State, he posted career-highs with 13 points and 14 rebounds. The following game against Troy, he tied his career-high with 13 points and pulled down 10 boards. He is only one of 81 players in the NCAA to record two or more double-doubles this season.
MAGIC CITY MIKE
Ertel’s 19 points against ETSU was his highest scoring game wearing a UAB uniform. The graduate transfer from ULM is the only Blazer to have scored in double figures in all six games this season. On the season, he is averaging 14.3 ppg.
LIVE STREAMING
Games 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.
Select games will also be streamed on the ESPN family of networks.
Continue to monitor the UABsports.com schedule page as additional broadcast information is announced.
RADIO
Blazer men’s basketball games are set to air on 100.5 ESPN JOX 2 with David Crane and Murry Bartow on the call.
In addition, David Crane will host Blazer Sportsline every Tuesday during Conference USA play. The show will take place live from Iron City Grill in downtown Birmingham and feature men’s basketball head coach Andy Kennedy and women’s basketball head coach Randy Norton.
The nine-episode show, which will air from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., begins Jan. 5. Blazer Sportsline can be heard on 100.5 ESPN JOX 2 and fans will be encouraged to tweet questions to @BlazersLIMGC.
Fans may also follow the Blazers this season by downloading the free TuneIn Radio app, online through Blazers All-Access at UABSports.com, or on the UAB Gameday mobile app.
UP NEXT
The Blazers remain home to host Chattanooga on Dec. 19. Tipoff is at 2 p.m.
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.
