The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Thursday, November 18
Columbia, S.C.
6 p.m.
UAB
at
South Carolina
Photo by: Ken Shepherd
UAB Heads East for SEC Road Test at South Carolina on Thursday
11/17/2021 2:00:00 PM | Men's Basketball
BIRMINGHAM – The 3-0 UAB men's basketball team will put its perfect record on the line Thursday when the Blazers travel to Columbia, South Carolina, for a matchup against the South Carolina Gamecocks. Tipoff in Colonial Life Arena is set for 6 p.m. CT and will stream live on SEC Network+.
The Blazers will look to notch their first win over an SEC foe since UAB knocked off Arkansas 70-65 in Fayetteville in an overtime victory back on Nov. 26, 2010.
UAB is 1-2 all-time against the Gamecocks, winning the opening matchup in the series on Feb. 8, 1986. Gene Bartow's team routed South Carolina 83-54 in Birmingham. South Carolina has won the past two matchups by less than 10 points each, knocking off the Blazers 66-63 in 1988 and 75-68 in 1992.
Thursday night's matchup will also mark head coach Andy Kennedy's 17th matchup against the Gamecocks in his coaching career. He is an even 8-8 in previous meetings.
UAB LATELY
The Blazers cruised to a perfect opening week in Bartow Arena, defeating its trio of opponents by more than an average of 25 points per game. UAB's most impressive performance came against reigning Ohio Valley Conference Tournament champions Morehead State on Friday, which is when the Blazers doubled up the Eagles in the opening half 46-23 before finishing the contest with an 85-71 victory. UAB earned its third win of the season on Sunday, defeating Rhodes College 98-61. Five Blazers reached double figures in the win.
SOUTH CAROLINA LATELY
South Carolina has opened its season 2-1, splitting its pair of contests at the Asheville Championship after opening the season with a 78-60 win over USC Upstate. South Carolina's lone defeat came to Princeton as the Gamecocks struggled to get things going from behind the arc, shooting 4-of-26 from behind the 3-point line in the loss. The Gamecocks, however, bounced back on Sunday with a 75-64 win over Conference USA foe Western Kentucky. Over its first three games, USC has been dominant on the glass, averaging over 47 rebounds per game, which ranks 20th in the nation entering Tuesday night's slate of games.
COMMON OPPONENTS
The Blazers and Gamecocks will only play one shared opponent this season -- Western Kentucky. The Gamecocks defeated WKU 75-64 on Sunday, while UAB's matchup against the Hilltoppers is set for Jan. 27 in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
OLD FRIENDS NOT FORGOTTEN
UAB head coach Andy Kennedy and USC head coach Frank Martin have been close friends for many years, which dates back to their time together as assistant coaches at Cincinnati under Bob Huggins. The pair of coaches have faced off against each other 10 times with AK holding a 6-4 advantage in head-to-head matchups. Over his career, Kennedy is 8-8 against South Carolina. Thursday night's matchup will mark the first time Kennedy has faced an SEC opponent since taking over as the Blazers' head coach in 2020-21.
GRABBING HEADLINES
After opening its season 3-0, the Blazers were ranked third in the Field of 68's Mid-Major Top 25 poll. UAB fell just behind Loyola Chicago and Drake for the first and second spots in the poll, respectively. Fellow Conference USA schools Louisiana Tech (No. 19) and Marshall (No. 24) also made the publication's Top 25.
AK'S REVIVAL
Head coach Andy Kennedy often talks about re-establishing the "Bartow Standard" in Birmingham by competing for and winning championships year after year. On Sunday, he accomplished yet another first in the history of UAB men's basketball, becoming the first head coach to start both his first and second seasons 3-0. His record of 25-7 in his first 32 games as UAB's head coach also marks a program best.
PICKING POCKETS
With 23 steals in Sunday's win over Rhodes College, the Blazers tied a school record for steals in a single game. UAB tallied 15 of its 23 steals in the first half, helping the Blazers tie their single-game steals record for the first time since 2005. Sunday's output also marked the third time this season and 11th time during the Andy Kennedy era the Blazers have registered 10 steals or more. The Blazers rank second nationally with 16.3 steals per game and fifth nationally with 49 total steals.
EFFICIENCY IS KEY
In 2020-21, the UAB defense led the Blazers to a 22-7 record and a league-best 13 C-USA victories. So far this season, both the offense and defense have fueled UAB's success, ranking tied for third in the nation in turnover margin (14.3) and 10th nationally in scoring offense (95.0 points per game). The Blazers also rank fifth nationally in scoring offense for teams that have played three games or more.
AK CLOSING IN ON 300
After posting his 11th 20-win season in 2020-21, Andy Kennedy sits just nine wins away from posting his 300th career victory as a collegiate head coach. His first opportunity to reach 300 wins would come against his longtime mentor and friend Bob Huggins, who enters his 15th season at West Virginia in 2021-22.
RADIO
Blazer men's basketball games are set to air on 100.5 ESPN JOX 2 with David Crane and Murry Bartow on the call.
In addition, Crane will host Blazer Sportsline every Tuesday beginning Dec. 28. The show takes place live from Iron City Grill in downtown Birmingham and features men's basketball head coach Andy Kennedy and women's basketball head coach Randy Norton.
The nine-episode show, airs from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Blazer Sportsline can be heard on 100.5 ESPN JOX 2 and fans will be encouraged to tweet questions to @UABLearfield.
Fans may also follow the Blazers this season by downloading the free TuneIn Radio app, online through Blazers All-Access at UABSports.com, or on the UAB Gameday mobile app.
WATCH
Thursday's game will be broadcasted live on SEC Network+. This is a subscription-based service. For more information on SEC Network+, please click here.
UP NEXT
The Blazers will play their final home game of November on Sunday when UAB hosts in-state foe Alabama A&M. Sunday's game will tip off at 2 p.m. and will stream live on ESPN+.
MEN'S BASKETBALL TICKET INFORMATION
UAB men's basketball single-game tickets start as low as $12 and can be purchased by clicking here or calling the UAB Athletics Ticket Office at (205) 975-UAB1. Season tickets are also still on sale and provide the most cost-effective way to attend games during the 2021-22 men's basketball season with individual season tickets starting as low as $100 within Blaze's Corner. Season ticket holders also have access to the best seating locations in Bartow Arena. You can request more information or purchase by clicking here.
Discounted group tickets and fan experiences are available for a minimum purchase of 15 tickets to any home basketball game during the 2021-22 season. Groups are encouraged to complete the UAB Basketball Group Ticket Request Form or call the UAB Athletics Ticket Office for more information.
The Blazers will look to notch their first win over an SEC foe since UAB knocked off Arkansas 70-65 in Fayetteville in an overtime victory back on Nov. 26, 2010.
UAB is 1-2 all-time against the Gamecocks, winning the opening matchup in the series on Feb. 8, 1986. Gene Bartow's team routed South Carolina 83-54 in Birmingham. South Carolina has won the past two matchups by less than 10 points each, knocking off the Blazers 66-63 in 1988 and 75-68 in 1992.
Thursday night's matchup will also mark head coach Andy Kennedy's 17th matchup against the Gamecocks in his coaching career. He is an even 8-8 in previous meetings.
UAB LATELY
The Blazers cruised to a perfect opening week in Bartow Arena, defeating its trio of opponents by more than an average of 25 points per game. UAB's most impressive performance came against reigning Ohio Valley Conference Tournament champions Morehead State on Friday, which is when the Blazers doubled up the Eagles in the opening half 46-23 before finishing the contest with an 85-71 victory. UAB earned its third win of the season on Sunday, defeating Rhodes College 98-61. Five Blazers reached double figures in the win.
SOUTH CAROLINA LATELY
South Carolina has opened its season 2-1, splitting its pair of contests at the Asheville Championship after opening the season with a 78-60 win over USC Upstate. South Carolina's lone defeat came to Princeton as the Gamecocks struggled to get things going from behind the arc, shooting 4-of-26 from behind the 3-point line in the loss. The Gamecocks, however, bounced back on Sunday with a 75-64 win over Conference USA foe Western Kentucky. Over its first three games, USC has been dominant on the glass, averaging over 47 rebounds per game, which ranks 20th in the nation entering Tuesday night's slate of games.
COMMON OPPONENTS
The Blazers and Gamecocks will only play one shared opponent this season -- Western Kentucky. The Gamecocks defeated WKU 75-64 on Sunday, while UAB's matchup against the Hilltoppers is set for Jan. 27 in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
OLD FRIENDS NOT FORGOTTEN
UAB head coach Andy Kennedy and USC head coach Frank Martin have been close friends for many years, which dates back to their time together as assistant coaches at Cincinnati under Bob Huggins. The pair of coaches have faced off against each other 10 times with AK holding a 6-4 advantage in head-to-head matchups. Over his career, Kennedy is 8-8 against South Carolina. Thursday night's matchup will mark the first time Kennedy has faced an SEC opponent since taking over as the Blazers' head coach in 2020-21.
GRABBING HEADLINES
After opening its season 3-0, the Blazers were ranked third in the Field of 68's Mid-Major Top 25 poll. UAB fell just behind Loyola Chicago and Drake for the first and second spots in the poll, respectively. Fellow Conference USA schools Louisiana Tech (No. 19) and Marshall (No. 24) also made the publication's Top 25.
AK'S REVIVAL
Head coach Andy Kennedy often talks about re-establishing the "Bartow Standard" in Birmingham by competing for and winning championships year after year. On Sunday, he accomplished yet another first in the history of UAB men's basketball, becoming the first head coach to start both his first and second seasons 3-0. His record of 25-7 in his first 32 games as UAB's head coach also marks a program best.
PICKING POCKETS
With 23 steals in Sunday's win over Rhodes College, the Blazers tied a school record for steals in a single game. UAB tallied 15 of its 23 steals in the first half, helping the Blazers tie their single-game steals record for the first time since 2005. Sunday's output also marked the third time this season and 11th time during the Andy Kennedy era the Blazers have registered 10 steals or more. The Blazers rank second nationally with 16.3 steals per game and fifth nationally with 49 total steals.
EFFICIENCY IS KEY
In 2020-21, the UAB defense led the Blazers to a 22-7 record and a league-best 13 C-USA victories. So far this season, both the offense and defense have fueled UAB's success, ranking tied for third in the nation in turnover margin (14.3) and 10th nationally in scoring offense (95.0 points per game). The Blazers also rank fifth nationally in scoring offense for teams that have played three games or more.
AK CLOSING IN ON 300
After posting his 11th 20-win season in 2020-21, Andy Kennedy sits just nine wins away from posting his 300th career victory as a collegiate head coach. His first opportunity to reach 300 wins would come against his longtime mentor and friend Bob Huggins, who enters his 15th season at West Virginia in 2021-22.
RADIO
Blazer men's basketball games are set to air on 100.5 ESPN JOX 2 with David Crane and Murry Bartow on the call.
In addition, Crane will host Blazer Sportsline every Tuesday beginning Dec. 28. The show takes place live from Iron City Grill in downtown Birmingham and features men's basketball head coach Andy Kennedy and women's basketball head coach Randy Norton.
The nine-episode show, airs from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Blazer Sportsline can be heard on 100.5 ESPN JOX 2 and fans will be encouraged to tweet questions to @UABLearfield.
Fans may also follow the Blazers this season by downloading the free TuneIn Radio app, online through Blazers All-Access at UABSports.com, or on the UAB Gameday mobile app.
WATCH
Thursday's game will be broadcasted live on SEC Network+. This is a subscription-based service. For more information on SEC Network+, please click here.
UP NEXT
The Blazers will play their final home game of November on Sunday when UAB hosts in-state foe Alabama A&M. Sunday's game will tip off at 2 p.m. and will stream live on ESPN+.
MEN'S BASKETBALL TICKET INFORMATION
UAB men's basketball single-game tickets start as low as $12 and can be purchased by clicking here or calling the UAB Athletics Ticket Office at (205) 975-UAB1. Season tickets are also still on sale and provide the most cost-effective way to attend games during the 2021-22 men's basketball season with individual season tickets starting as low as $100 within Blaze's Corner. Season ticket holders also have access to the best seating locations in Bartow Arena. You can request more information or purchase by clicking here.
Discounted group tickets and fan experiences are available for a minimum purchase of 15 tickets to any home basketball game during the 2021-22 season. Groups are encouraged to complete the UAB Basketball Group Ticket Request Form or call the UAB Athletics Ticket Office for more information.
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