The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Blazers Host In-State Rival Troy to Close Homestand
11/16/2016 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Troy (2-0) vs. UAB (1-1)
7 p.m. CST | Birmingham, Ala. | Bartow Arena
Gameday Central | Live Video | Live Stats | Game Notes
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The UAB men’s basketball team concludes its three-game homestand Thursday at 7 p.m. when the Blazers host in-state rival Troy from Bartow Arena.
All students are encouraged to arrive early and tailgate on the Bartow Arena lawn from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Enjoy free food and Blaze Radio prior to tip-off with the Trojans. In addition, the first 1,000 students through the gates will receive a free LED Pulse Bracelet.
The Blazers have enjoyed a great deal of success in their recent meetings with Troy, having won all eight games by an average of 15.6 points per game, which includes a 79-63 road victory over the Trojans last season. Additionally, UAB has won 78.4 percent of its games against schools from the state of Alabama and owns an 80-22 record against in-state competition.
UAB (1-1) features a balanced scoring attack and is led by the 14.5 points per game of senior guard Hakeem Baxter. The Philadelphia, Pa., native has scored in double digits in back-to-back games for the first time since his sophomore year and looks to accomplish the feat in three straight games for only the second time of his career.
Fellow senior guard Dirk Williams is second on the team with 13.0 points per game and is a perfect 11-for-11 from the free throw line. Junior forward William Lee pours in 10.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.0 blocks per game.
Chris Cokley (12.5 ppg) and Tyler Madison (12.5 ppg) both average in double figures while Tosin Mehinti is tied with Lee with a team-leading 5.5 rebounds per game.
Troy (2-0) held off Eastern Illinois 70-67 on Monday behind 22 points and 10 rebounds from sophomore Jordon Varnado. The sophomore forward leads the Trojans with 19.0 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game. The Trojans also feature five others who score in double figures.
For more information on UAB men’s basketball, follow the Blazers on Twitter (@UAB_MBB), Instagram (@blazerhoops) and Snapchat (@UAB_MBB).
