Blazers Host Morehouse College in Exhibition Game

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The UAB men's basketball team makes its 2017-18 debut Thursday evening at 7 p.m. when the Blazers host Morehouse College in an exhibition game at Bartow Arena.

Papa John's pizza and Mountain Dew Kickstart will be provided to UAB students at approximately 5 p.m. in the tailgate zone on the west side of the Bartow Arena lawn. In addition, students will receive free shooting sleeves upon entering the arena.

Expectations are once again high for a UAB team that was predicted to finish second in a preseason poll voted on by the Conference USA coaches. The Blazers return two starters in forwards William Lee and Chris Cokley, both of which were selected to the All-Conference USA Preseason Team. Additionally, the Blazers return the services of all league guard Nick Norton after missing the entire 2016-17 season with a knee injury.

UAB reached the quarterfinals of the Conference USA Tournament last season and proved to be one of the top defensive teams in the nation for the third consecutive year, ranking second in the league and 28th in the NCAA with 4.9 blocked shots per game.

Lee served as both the offensive and defensive catalyst for the Blazers last season, leading UAB with 13.2 points and 6.7 rebounds per game and ranking 20th and 11th in C-USA, respectively. A native of Selma, Ala., Lee also captured his second straight Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year Award.

Cokley ended last season second on the team and 24th in Conference USA with 12.1 points per game, which included three games with at least 20 points. The Savannah, Ga., native also pulled down 6.0 rebounds per game and stood second on the team and 17th in the league. Cokley also proved to be one of the most efficient shooters in the NCAA, as he ranked second in Conference USA and 31st in the nation with a .582 field goal percentage.

Morehouse College turned in an 18-11 overall record and a 10-7 mark in conference play en route to an appearance in the SIAC Tournament semifinals. Senior guard Tyrius Walker led the Maroon Tigers with 18.5 points and 3.9 assists per game last season. Junior forward Omar Alston paced the team with 7.6 rebounds per game.

Season tickets for UAB's 18 home games are on sale for $250 to the general public and $225 to UAB employees and active members of the National Alumni Society. Blazer fans can also enjoy a limited number of season tickets in Blaze's Corner for $105 (available while supplies last).

Single game tickets and mini plans are also on sale now. Lower level tickets can be purchased for $20 and upper level seating will be on sale for $15. Special group pricing is also available for groups of 20 or more to enjoy a great game day experience at Bartow Arena.

The regular season kicks off Friday, Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. in a home game against Jacksonville.

For more information on UAB men's basketball, follow the Blazers on Twitter (@UAB_MBB), Instagram (@blazerhoops) and Snapchat (@UAB_MBB).

Blazers Host Morehouse College in Exhibition Game

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Players Mentioned

Chris Cokley

William Lee

Nick Norton

The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics