The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
South Florida
Natasha Thomas Leads UAB Past South Florida, 62-58
2/1/2003 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Feb. 1, 2003
TAMPA, Fla. ----- Natasha Thomas' career-high 33 points helped lead the UAB women's basketball team (8-11, 4-2) over South Florida (5-14, 0-6), 62-58, here Saturday.
"It was a great effort by Natasha Thomas," said UAB head coach Jeannie Milling. "She brought us to the end today, she was everything for us. It was a great game for her."
In the first half, the Lady Blazers shot 45.0 percent, but were down 30-23 at the break. UAB was outrebounded 21-13 by the Bulls, including a 8-1 offensive board advantage for USF. The Lady Blazers also committed 15 turnovers in the first half.
However, in the final 20 minutes, UAB came out with more focus and turned things around. The Lady Blazers outscored the Bulls, 39-28 in the final 20 minutes of the game. UAB took control of the boards and outrebounded USF 23-10 in the second half and 36-31 for the game. On the offensive board, UAB denied the Bulls any offensive rebound in the second half. The Lady Blazers also lowered the number of turnovers, committing nine in the last 20 minutes.
"We had too many turnovers, we were terrible from the free-throw line, but we shot the ball well from the floor and that's what won the game," said Milling. "This is a huge victory for us. We've won two straight conference road games and that is very important. Our players never gave up and held our composure and focus. We didn't get rattled by our own mistakes and the hostile environment. Our players' composure and poise is what brought us to victory."
Michelle Smith was the leading rebounder for the Lady Blazers, grabbing 10 boards and K'Shaki Short led the team with six assists. UAB also tied a season-high with five blocks.
Next, UAB travels to St. Louis, Mo., to take on the Billikens on Friday, February 7, at 7 p.m.
