Defensive Effort Gives UAB a 61-44 Win Over Alabama State

Tuesday, December 19

Birmingham, Ala.

6:00 P.M.

UAB

9-2

Alabama State

1-9

Alabama State

UAB

Defensive Effort Gives UAB a 61-44 Win Over Alabama State

12/19/2017 9:18:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score SEASON STATS BOX SCORE

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The UAB women's basketball team used a defensive effort to rally after an early deficit to take down Alabama State 61-44 on Tuesday night at Bartow Arena.

"That was a game that wasn't pretty, we had to grind it out, but I'm happy with a win," head coach Randy Norton said. "I told the team in the locker room whether it's the WNBA or the NBA or whoever, you're going to have nights where the game of basketball is not pretty. Missing free throws, which we don't usually do, and our offense wasn't clicking on all cylinders tonight. But our girls dug in, played great defense and held Alabama State to 44 points so I am pleased with the fact that we were able to grind out a win."

UAB (9-2) found itself in an early 6-0 hole before sophomore Imani Johnson went off on a 5-0 run to cut the Alabama State lead to one with 4:34 remaining in the first period. Deanna Kuzmanic drilled a jumper with 4:04 left to go in the first quarter to give the Blazers a lead it would not relinquish.

The defensive battled continued late into the second quarter before Trista Magee rattled off three consecutive 3-pointers in the final 1:58 of the first half to stretch the Blazers' lead to 28-15 going into halftime.

Entering the fourth quarter with just four points, Conference USA's leader in 3-pointers made, Rachael Childress, downed 11 points in the final period going a perfect 3-of-3 from long range to secure the UAB victory.

"Rachael is a shooter and like we were talking after the game there was a 3-pointer that she actually didn't take and that upsets me," Norton said. "We have all of the confidence in the world in her, she is one of the top 3-point shooters in the country, so when she's open I expect her to shoot it. The percentages are going to work in her favor, if she misses four or five shots she's probably going to hit the next four or five because that's just how she is."

Childress finished with a game high 15 points to lead the Blazers' in scoring for the fourth time this season. Johnson pitched in 14 points while Kara Rawls reeled in nine rebounds and career high four blocks in the win.

Alabama State (1-9) was led in scoring by Keimeshia Walker who finished with a team-best 13 points on a 3-of-11 night from the field. Kayla Stephens contributed defensively with six rebounds.

The Blazers bench remained a consistent force tonight outscoring the Hornet bench 29-6. UAB's bench has outscored its opponents six times this season by a margin of +67 through the first 11 games.

UAB is set to return to the court on Thursday afternoon at South Alabama in its final non-conference road trip of the season. Tip between the Blazers and Jaguars is slated for 1:05 p.m.

For more information on the UAB women's basketball team follow the Blazers on Twitter (@UAB_WBB), Instagram (UAB_WBBALL) or like them on Facebook (Facebook.com/UABWBB).