UAB Seeks Fifth-Straight Win at Memphis

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Coming off a thrilling 77-53 victory over crosstown rival Samford, the UAB women's basketball team hits the road once again as it makes the journey up Corridor X to take on former Conference USA-foe Memphis. Tipoff is set for 3 p.m. CST.

The Blazers look to continue their winning ways in Memphis as the Green and Gold puts their four-game winning streak on the line. A win over the Tigers would give UAB its first five-game winning streak since the 2014-15 season, while it would be the first time since the 2013-14 season the Blazers have won three consecutive road contests.

"We have a couple of kids from the Memphis area, so I know that they are going to be excited," head coach Randy Norton said. "But make no doubt about it, we are on a mission to go up there and get a win. It used to be big rivalry for us, so we hope that we can keep that intensity going."

Despite only being home for one night, UAB put on an offensive clinic as it cruised past Samford behind double-digit scoring performances by four players. Sophomore Miyah Barnes poured in 14 points to lead the scoring attack, while Rachael Childress chipped in 13 points.

Junior Deanna Kuzmanic posted an additional 11 points in the win over the Bulldogs, while Katelynn Thomas recorded 10 points and six rebounds off the bench to round out UAB's double-figure performers.

Childress leads the team with 14.6 points due in part to a 49.1 percent shooting percentage from behind the arc, a mark that leads Conference USA and is 24^th in the nation. Barnes' unselfishness has also played a key role in the offense's success this season as her assist/turnover ratio of 3.2 is the best in C-USA and the 21^st best in the nation.

Memphis (1-8) is currently on an eight-game losing streak after suffering a 63-47 setback to Illinois at home last Sunday. Cheyenne Creighton led the way for the Tigers with a double-double (17 points/10 rebounds) against the Illini.

Creighton has been the top Tiger this season as she leads the team with 15.0 points and 7.6 rebounds per game. Brea Elmore is the only other Tiger to average double figures as she is currently contributing 14.0 per contest.

Saturday's game marks the 53^rd meeting between the two programs and the first since Dec. 7, 2013, with Memphis holding a 32-21 advantage. The Tigers have also won the last five meetings against the Blazers with UAB's last victory a 59-45 triumph on Feb. 27, 2011.

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).

UAB Seeks Fifth-Straight Win at Memphis

Next Event

Players Mentioned

Miyah Barnes

Rachael Childress

Deanna Kuzmanic

Katelynn Thomas

The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics