Walker Sets UAB Single-Game Scoring Record as Blazers Blow Past Middle Tennessee 97-75

Saturday, February 5

Bartow Arena

3 p.m.

UAB

-185,82 CUSA

MIDDLE TENNESSEE

-147,53 CUSA

Middle Tenn.

UAB

Walker Sets UAB Single-Game Scoring Record as Blazers Blow Past Middle Tennessee 97-75

2/5/2022 6:55:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score Postgame Press Conference

BIRMINGHAM – Jordan Walker set a new UAB men's basketball single-game record with 42 points scored as the Blazers blew past Middle Tennessee 97-75 Saturday in front of an electric crowd of 4,273 fans in Bartow Arena. Walker and his Blazers' teammates honored UAB Athletics founder Gene Bartow with a 22-point victory in Saturday's Bartow Classic matchup.

Walker, who has now scored 20 or more points in seven straight games, scored 26 of his 42 points in the game's opening half as the Blazers erased an early eight-point deficit in the first half's closing minutes. The Blazers ended the opening half on a 21-4 run, needing just 3:50 to flip an eight-point deficit into a nine-point halftime lead at 48-39.

Three consecutive 3-pointers from Walker and a thunderous slam dunk from graduate guard Quan Jackson sent Bartow Arena into a frenzy as the halftime whistle blew. Jackson also finished with an outstanding performance, posting a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds to go along with five assists and two steals.

UAB kept its foot on the gas in the second half to keep its perfect record in Bartow Arena alive at 13-0. All 13 victories have come by double digits.

"I feel like once I make one, then I can make a lot," Walker said. "Today, I just don't even understand."

In the second half, Walker quickly reeled off seven straight points to extend UAB's lead to 55-44 with 18:19 remaining in the second half. A pair of buckets from Rongie Gordon and a fast-break jumper from Quan Jackson stretched UAB's lead to 61-47 entering the first media timeout of the closing half.

As Saturday's contest reached the four-minute mark in the second half, Walker needed only three points to tie head coach Andy Kennedy's single-game record of 41 points in a victory over Saint Louis on Jan. 13, 1991, in Bartow Arena. Walker drilled his eighth 3-pointer of the game to tie Kennedy and former Blazer Robert Vaden with 41 points with 3:51 left on the clock.

After drawing a foul from Middle Tennessee's Christian Fussell, Walker made his first of two free throws to break the single-game school record with 42 points. The Port Washington, New York native finished with 42 points, four assists, four steals and three rebounds in the win.

"I did not know Jelly was so close to my record," Kennedy said. "I don't think I've ever been in a game where your team gives up 15 3-pointers and you win by 22.

"Jelly Walker had Steph Curry vision and just started knocking down shots. And then our pressure started bothering them, forcing 13 turnovers in the second half."

The Blazers dominated Middle Tennessee in the paint in Saturday's victory, outscoring the Blue Raiders 46-22. UAB also exceled in transition, posting a 27-8 advantage in fast-break points.

Jackson (10) and Jemison (six) paced the Blazers on the boards in the victory. Jemison pulled down four of UAB's 11 offensive rebounds, helping the Blazers post a 13-10 advantage in second-chance opportunities.

UAB will continue its home stand Thursday as the Blazers host Southern Miss in Bartow Arena. Tipoff for Thursday's matchup against the Golden Eagles is set for 6 p.m. and will be carried live on CBS Sports Network.

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