The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
Gardner-Webb
UAB Women's Basketball Downs Gardner-Webb in Season Opener
11/11/2016 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
CHICAGO – The UAB women’s basketball team used an early lead to propel the Blazers over Gardner-Webb, 59-49, in the first game of the Maggie Dixon Classic at McGrath-Phillips Arena, hosted by No. 21 DePaul.
“I’m very proud of our girls, coming out on the road, staying focused, and getting their first win of the season,” head coach Randy Norton said. “We challenged the team to hustle and make plays and I think they did a tremendous job doing so. I challenged the girls to really play defense and they held the team under 50, which was their goal. There are some areas they know we need to improve on, but I’m very pleased with tonight’s game and our team. Tomorrow night, we will face a tough team, whether it is DePaul or Appalachian State, but I know we’re ready for the challenge.”
UAB was led by Deanna Kuzmanic and Imani Johnson’s 12 points apiece, while Miyah Barnes chipped in 10 for the Blazers. Johnson, who made her first appearance in the Green and Gold, went 5-of-8 from the floor with four rebounds. Meanwhile Keonna Farmer dominated the glass reeling in eight boards.
After the Runnin’ Bulldogs tied the game at eight-all early in the first quarter, the Blazers used a 20-2 run, spanning the first and second quarter, to claim a 28-10 lead with 5:15 to play in the half.
UAB’s fiery first quarter included a 4-of-9 showing from 3-point range (44.4 percent), while holding Gardner-Webb to just three field goals as they shot 21.4 percent from the floor.
Gardner-Webb chipped away at UAB’s lead as it went on an 11-2 run to close out the half, narrowing the Blazers’ lead to 31-22.
In the second half, the Runnin’ Bulldogs would not be able to close the gap to less than eight, as the Blazers’ young squad made tough shots at key points of the game.
Four freshmen - Johnson, Barnes, Micah Scheetz and Rachael Childress – made their debuts in the Green and Gold. The quartet, along with Kuzmanic, helped seal the game with a 7-0 run to put the Blazers up 49-34 in the fourth, which the Runnin’ Bulldogs would not recover from.
With the win, UAB will face either host No. 21 DePaul or Appalachain, on Saturday night. Tip is slated for 8 p.m. at McGrath-Phillips Arena.
For more information on UAB women’s basketball, follow the Blazers on Twitter (@UAB_WBB), Instagram (@UAB_WBBALL)
TEAM NOTES
· UAB improved to 50-44 under fourth year head coach Randy Norton
· UAB is now 5-15 in season openers not at home, and 3-6 in neutral site season openers.
· UAB held Gardner-Webb to 49 points. This marks the first time the Blazers have held an opponent under 50 points since March 3, 2016.
· UAB started multiple freshmen for the first time since 2009.
INDIVIDUAL NOTES
· Sophomore Deanna Kuzmanic made her 32nd consecutive start, the most by any player on the team.
· Sophomore Deanna Kuzmanic scored double-digits for the 23rd time in her career
· Freshman Micah Scheetz’s first career basket: 9:03 1Q (3PTR), the first points for UAB in 2016-17.
· Freshman Miyah Barnes’ first career basket: 5:22 1Q (3 PTR)
· Freshman Miyah Barnes scored in double digits for the first time in her career
· Freshman Imani Johnson’s first career basket: 7:41 2Q (FT); Johnson scored in double digits for the first time in her career and led the team with 12 points (5-of-8)
· Rachael Childress’s first career basket: 3:33 3Q (2PT)
· Whytney Singleton tied a career-high in assists as she dished out three
