The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
SO CLOSE!
1/24/2011 12:00:00 AM | General
Jan. 24, 2011
Blazer fans,
Mother Nature hasn't been too kind to us here in Dixie this winter, and thanks to snow, ice, postponements, and other issues, I haven't been as prompt with my blogs in 2011. I'll do my best to pick up the pace for the remainder of basketball season.
After the thrilling win over UTEP, the schedule for the Blazers got a little out of whack. The week off before the Tulsa game wasn't a help, at all, for UAB. The disappointing showing against the Golden Hurricane made for a bit of a nervous trip to East Carolina for a Monday night game with the improved Pirates. Mike Davis wasn't sure how his team would play, and thank goodness for another second-half rally. The Blazers earned a split in their two game, unexpected four-day road trip.
After taking care of business against SMU on Wednesday night, it was time for the Tigers. The Memphis game on Saturday night was the latest in a line of down-to-the-wire, heart-pounding finishes in front of a sold-out crowd at Bartow Arena, particularly against the Tigers. And, as the other meetings have gone recently, Memphis was the team that executed in crunch time. The Blazers had their chances, but a mistake here and there proved mighty costly. Three-point shooting was abysmal, and the free-throw shooting was only slightly better. Credit the Tigers for not allowing UAB to find a comfort zone throughout the game, but even with the struggles in different areas all night long, the Green and Gold know they let one get away.
It was a crushing loss on a memorable night. The crowd was awesome, and despite the loss, it was all for a great cause. The 2nd-Annual Gene Bartow Classic was a success, regardless of what the scoreboard said. I hate that the fans couldn't leave happy, and I know the players and coaches do, too. That said, it's only one loss. And if we learned anything from the day's events, it's that this is going to be a long season. UTEP knocked off Houston on the road to remain tied for first place. East Carolina upset Marshall in Huntington, and Rice picked up C-USA win number one of the year by beating UCF...in Orlando! This may be one of the craziest regular seasons in Conference USA history, and I still believe the Blazers will be right there in the end fighting for a title.
We're hoping for a normal week...wouldn't that be a nice surprise? Blazer Sportsline will return tonight (Monday) at 7:30 PM, live from the Valley Avenue location of Full Moon BBQ. Coach Davis and I will be there taking calls and talking UAB basketball. Then on Wednesday, a three-game home stand comes to an end with a visit from Marshall. The Thundering Herd will, no doubt, still be smarting from the home loss to ECU on Saturday. The Blazers dropped last year's meeting in Birmingham to Marshall, and one home loss is about all the Green and Gold can afford right now. Tip-off is at 7 PM and pre-game on the Blazer Sports Network begins at 6:30 PM.
It's off to Orlando on Saturday for a meeting with UCF. The Knights were THE story in C-USA earlier this season, but Donnie Jones' team has fallen on some hard times recently. The Blazers will try to add to their misery on Saturday night. Tip time is 6 PM central, and we'll be on the air at 5:30 PM.
Before I go, I'd like to welcome the two newest members of the UAB football staff to town. Tommy West, longtime Memphis head coach, is the new Defensive Coordinator for Neil Callaway, and John Wozniak is the new running backs coach. John will also share special teams coordinator duties with Travis Summers. From all indications, UAB had a good recruiting weekend, and I hope the coaching staff will finish the recruiting season on a high note. Spring practice will be here before we know it, and I look forward to spending some time with the new assistants. Maybe the Blazers will be the nation's "most exciting football team" (Google it if you haven't seen the story) once again in 2011...with a few better results!
And, lastly, a farewell. I had the distinct pleasure of working with Sam Miller for the last three-plus years. He's absolutely one of the brightest and most talented people I've ever met. He's also a good friend. Sam left UAB after 15 years of dedicated, unwavering service. I wish him nothing but the best in his new career, and I'm awfully glad he's not leaving town. The University lost a good one.
Have a great week...see you at Bartow Arena on Wednesday for UAB and Marshall.
GO BLAZERS!!!
DC
