The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
BLAZERS OVERCOME TOUGH BREAK
2/14/2011 12:00:00 AM | General
Feb. 14, 2011
Blazer fans,
Happy Valentine's Day! Temperatures in the 60s in Birmingham today made it feel like summer compared to what we've endured this winter. I'm sure we'll still have plenty of cold weather to deal with before spring takes hold, but everyone seems happier when the sun shines and the mercury rises. A three-game winning streak also helps the mood, and the Blazers managed that after knocking off Rice on Saturday night at Bartow Arena. The Green and Gold were in need of a lift after a disheartening practice on Friday afternoon. As you likely know by now, Cameron Moore broke his left hand in a freak accident, and the Blazer's big man is out of action for the time being. We're all hopeful to have him back in the line-up before the season ends, but it's a waiting game at this point. Cross your fingers, and hope he's a quick healer.
I wasn't sure what to expect from UAB on Saturday night. The coaches and players had very little time to process what happened on Friday, and to be honest, I did think the players looked a little "lost" in the first half against the Owls. It seemed as if they fully realized during intermission (trailing by four) that Cam is out and he's not coming back any time soon. They came out in the second half, turned up the defensive pressure, and rode a hot-shooting Jamarr Sanders to a solid win over an improved Rice team. The 37 points by Jamarr helped him to Conference USA Player of the Week honors, and it was the fifth-best single game scoring performance in school history.
Speaking of history, I had a great seat to watch Aaron Johnson become the all-time assist leader at UAB. I also got to watch him come over and embrace the man he passed, Steve Mitchell. I'm so glad it happened at Bartow Arena, in front of the Blazer fans and in front of Steve. He was thrilled, too. The only person happier than A.J. was Steve. Two pretty classy men, I must say, and I have enjoyed watching the majority of Aaron's 'dimes' in his career. And now that the hurdle is cleared, I fully expect Aaron to continue to make the Cousy Award committee look like total fools for leaving him off the list of finalists.
Looking ahead, it's off to Memphis on Wednesday for the second round with the Tigers. UAB lost a heart-breaker at home a few weeks ago, and the Blazers will be heavy underdogs at FedEx Forum without Cameron Moore. Who knows...when you least expect it, maybe that's when the skid will end. It will be a tough test, but the Tigers have lost once at home and had a couple of close calls on their home floor. The Green and Gold should have a care-free attitude, since NO ONE expects them to win. Sometimes that allows guys to play even better...we shall see. Tip time is 6 PM on Wednesday, and we'll be on the air at 5:30 PM with pre-game.
It's back home on Saturday for another match-up with UCF. The Knights finally broke their long losing streak over the weekend. I'm honestly glad they broke the skid before they came to Bartow...you never want to be the team that helps end a losing streak. Just ask the Clippers. UCF is a talented team, and they were in the top-25 earlier this year. It will be a battle, to say the least, but the fans can provide some help, and I hope we'll have a big turnout...only two home games remain, so don't miss out! Tip-off is at 5 PM, and our coverage starts at 4:30 PM.
Warmer weather means baseball and softball are upon us...and that we'll no doubt freeze to death watching them later on! Softball started last weekend and went 2-3 in the All-Alabama Tournament. They're off to Florida for a tournament this weekend. Baseball has its first outing of the year this weekend down on the Plains. Auburn is hosting a tournament, and the Blazers will face Virginia, Arkansas State and the Tigers. The Green and Gold will be at home next weekend.
Well, time for the call-in show...come join us on Monday nights at Full Moon BBQ on Valley Avenue from 7:30-8:30 PM...good food...hoops on TV...and Mike Davis. What more could you want?
Have a great week...see you on Saturday at Bartow Arena...and GO BLAZERS!!!
DC
