BIRMINGHAM – Denim DeShields scored a career-high 36 points, but a late comeback fell short as UAB (9-5, 1-4 C-USA) suffered its first home loss of the season 91-89 to FIU on Saturday afternoon.
DeShields was 14-of-27 from the field and made 8-of-10 from the line along with four rebounds and four assists. Margaret Whitley scored 16 points and Maddie Walsh added a season-high 13 points.
FIU (8-5, 3-1 C-USA) was led by Kaliah Henderson, who scored 25 points.
The Blazers were on fire in the 1st quarter, shooting 72.7% from the field. DeShields was a prefect 4-for-4 for 10 points as they hung onto a one-point lead 22-21 after the first 10 minutes of play.
The 2nd and 3rd quarters were not so kind to UAB. The Panthers owned the boards (28-19) and took a 68-56 lead heading into the 4th quarter.
Sifa Joyeuse’s 3-pointer at 8:13 gave FIU its largest lead of the game, 16 points at 74-58. However, the comeback was on. A 19-9 run made it a two-possession game at 83-77 with 1:27 remaining.
A pair of Tanajah Hayes free throws 24 seconds left made the score 88-83 before UAB scored the next four points on a jumper by DeShields and two free throws by Whitley put the Blazers within one point with 11 seconds to play.
Mihaela Lazic hit two foul shots on the next possession and DeShield’s layup 3.1 seconds kept the game at one point in FIU’s favor.
The following possession, the Blazers fouled Henderson, who made the first free throw, but missed the second. Molly Moffitt grabbed the rebound, passed to Whitley, but her attempt did not get off in time.
UAB hits the road to face WKU (5-8, 2-2 C-USA) on Jan. 11. The Lady Tops defeated UTSA 77-69 in San Antonio earlier today. The next home game is Jan.15 versus LA Tech.
GAME NOTES
- DeShields previous career-high was 25 points vs. George Mason
- Tracey Bershers tied her career-high with five rebounds
- The 89 points and 33 field goals are UAB’s second-high total this season (101/37, MVSU)
- UAB had a season-best five blocks
PURCHASE YOUR GOLD CARD
Women’s Basketball season tickets are available for $65 by purchasing the 2022-23 Gold Card. The Gold Card will allow you to gain access to all home events for Women’s Basketball, as well as Women’s Soccer, Men’s Soccer, Volleyball, Baseball and Softball.
GROUP TICKETS AND FAN EXPERIENCE PACKAGES
Individual and corporate groups can plan a memorable experience at Bartow Arena by filling out the UAB Basketball Group Ticket Request Form. Discounted group tickets and fan experiences are available for a minimum purchase of 15 tickets, and fan experiences are available on a first come, first served basis to any home basketball game during the 2022-23 season.
FOLLOW THE BLAZERS
For more information on the UAB women’s basketball team, follow @UAB_WBB on Twitter and Instagram.
