UAB Falls to Rice in Low Scoring Affair

Saturday, January 26

Birmingham, Ala.

1 p.m.

UAB

-183, 62 CUSA

Rice

-163, 70 CUSA

RICE

UAB

UAB Falls to Rice in Low Scoring Affair

1/26/2019 4:02:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score Box Score

BIRMINGHAM – The (RV) UAB women's basketball team suffered just its third loss of the season as it fell to Rice 55-43 on Saturday afternoon at Bartow Arena.

The 12-point loss was the worst of the Blazers' defeats this season, while the 43 points scored was the fewest by a UAB team since only netting 40 in a loss to Middle Tennessee on Jan. 3, 2016. UAB drops to 18-3 on the season and 6-2 in Conference USA play.

"Rice played extremely well and hit some clutch shots down the stretch," head coach Randy Norton said. "But one game, even if we had of won, will not define our season. We have a lot of basketball in front of us and we will make the corrections and we will be better. Every team is going to go through a stretch where things aren't going your way and today the ball wasn't going in the hole."

Deanna Kuzmanic paced the Blazers with 12 points, turning in her second consecutive double figure scoring game. The senior captain also added two rebounds and a pair of assists.

Imani Johnson was the only other Blazer to reach the double figure scoring column, as the junior finished with 10 points, while also reeling in six rebounds, dished out an assist and added a steal.

UAB struggled offensively from the field, shooting a season low 28.3 percent (17-of-60) and just 26.3 percent (5-of-19) from long range. The Blazers did out score Rice in points off turnovers (7-to-6), fast break points (5-to-4) and bench points (15-to-8), while matching the Owls in second change points with 14.

The offensive woes began early as Rice held UAB scoreless until the 5:26 mark of the first quarter as Rachael Childress connected on a jumper to make the game 3-2. Rice got out to a brief three point lead in the final minutes of the frame, but back-to-back 3-pointers from Kuzmanic and Trista Magee tied the game at 10 after the first period.

A pair of free throws from Katelynn Thomas with 8:42 to play in the half gave UAB its first lead of the game, 12-10, but a layup on the next Owl possession knotted the game for the third time. A brief two point Rice lead was quickly diminished as Miyah Barnes knocked down a triple with 5:35 to play in the second quarter to spark a 9-4 UAB lead to close the first half giving the Blazers a 23-20 advantage at the break.

Rice opened the second half on a 6-0 run before Kuzmanic hit a 3-pointer five minutes into the third quarter to give UAB its first bucket of the period and tie the game at 26. A Rice jumper with 4:45 to play in the third quarter gave the Owls a 28-26 advantage and a lead it would not surrender. Rice closed the third quarter on a 10-4 run, stretching its lead to 36-30.

Kuzmanic netted a quick bucket to open the fourth quarter followed by Childress' lone 3-pointer of the day to make the game a one-point contest, 36-35, with 7:23 to play. The Owls netted a triple on the ensuing offensive possession, sparking a 17-8 run to close the game and remain in the top spot in C-USA.

Nancy Mulkey led Rice with a double double, finishing with 14 points and 10 rebounds. The 6-9 post went 6-for-11 from the field and registered eight blocks.

UAB takes a week off before returning to action on Saturday, Feb. 2 at Middle Tennessee. Tipoff between the Blazers and Blue Raiders is set for 6 p.m. in Murfreesboro, Tenn.

Women's basketball season tickets are on sale by purchasing the 2018-19 Gold Card for $65. The Gold Card includes access to home baseball and softball games in addition to all four of women's basketball's remaining home contests. Contact the UAB Ticket Office, (205) 975-UAB1, for more details.

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