The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
Jackson State
Women's Hoops Downs Jackson State, 74-38
11/16/2010 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Nov. 16, 2010
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- The UAB women's basketball team used a well-balanced attack en route to a 74-38 win over Jackson State on Tuesday night at Bartow Arena.
"The biggest that helped us tonight defensively was our matchup zone," UAB head coach Audra Smith said. "We really focused on making some stops after playing Florida A&M and our team really picked it up tonight."
Four Blazers reached double figures, with sophomore guard Jala Harris leading the way with 16 points, and all 12 Blazers that saw action scored in the contest.
"Jala is a scorer," Smith said. "One thing I was really proud of her tonight was that she was a lot more active on defense. Offensively, when the ball's in her hands, so many things can happen. She has the uncanny ability to create something out of nothing."
UAB senior guard Amanda Peterson connected on four 3-pointers for 12 points, while junior guard LaShaunda Pratt chipped in 11 and sophomore guard Amber Jones added 10. Pratt also finished with seven boards and four steals.
"What Peterson does is stretch the defense and that allowed us to make some open layups tonight," Smith said. "Pratt is unbelievably athletic. She's a really good defender as you could see tonight. She gives us a lot of flexibility."
Blazer junior center Meagan Brown recorded the best game of her career, tying her career-high with seven points and grabbing a career-best nine rebounds.
The Tigers (0-3) were led by guard Takeya Felder with 10 points, all of which came in the first half.
UAB (1-1) jumped out to a 14-point lead at halftime and never looked back. The Blazers raked in 45 rebounds, including 20 on the offensive glass, compared to the Tigers' 27. UAB held Jackson State to 30 percent shooting while the Green and Gold finished at 41 percent from the field.
The Blazers return to action Saturday for their first road test, traveling to Louisiana-Lafayette. Tipoff is slated for 1 p.m. CT.
