Instant Classic: Blazers Outlast Middle Tennessee in Triple Overtime to Advance to C-USA Tournament Final

Friday, March 11

Frisco, Texas

2 p.m.

UAB

-267,144 CUSA

102

Middle Tennessee

-2310,135 CUSA

OT 1

OT 2

OT 3

UAB

102

Middle Tenn.

Photo by: CUSA

Instant Classic: Blazers Outlast Middle Tennessee in Triple Overtime to Advance to C-USA Tournament Final

3/11/2022 7:18:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score

FRISCO, Texas – The Blazers never quit. Ever.

After clawing their way back from a six-point deficit with 39 seconds remaining in double overtime, the UAB men's basketball team recorded a 102-98 victory over Middle Tennessee in the first triple overtime game in the C-USA Tournament since March 8, 2012. The historic win punches UAB's ticket in Saturday's Conference USA title game against Louisiana Tech.

Jordan Walker, who set a UAB single-game scoring record against the Blue Raiders in February, tallied his second 40-point performance against Middle Tennessee this season to lead the Blazers to the gutsy victory. Walker's 40-point performance was tied for the second most in Conference USA Tournament history.

Michael Ertel, a Conference USA All-Tournament Team selection in 2020-21, poured in 26 points while playing a game-high 54 minutes. Ertel nailed six 3-pointers in Friday's marathon victory, trimming UAB's deficit to one point with 17 seconds remaining in double overtime with a huge 3-pointer to cut Middle Tennessee's lead to 81-80.

After Middle Tennessee's Donovan Sims went one-of-two from the line, Walker drove hard to the rim and was fouled as he entered the paint. He then nailed both foul shots to tie the game at 82-82 and send Friday's matchup to triple overtime.

UAB would lead 4:17 of the third overtime period, taking the lead for good when Walker drilled a second-chance opportunity from behind the arc to make it 85-84. The Blazers would stretch their lead to as many as 11 in the closing minutes before holding on for a 102-98 win.

"I've coached close to 500 games as a head coach, but I don't think I've ever been in one like that," head coach Andy Kennedy said. "With so much on the line, both teams really, really battled.

"The competitive spirit of our group is really our most admirable trait. Game in and game out it's off the charts."

Walker almost sent the Blazers to the finals in regulation, pulling up with a deep 3-pointer to put the Blazers ahead 62-60 with seven seconds remaining. The Blue Raiders, however, would send the game to overtime when Camryn Weston dropped in a layup to make it 62-62 with two seconds left.

The Blazers forced 16 turnovers, turning those into 19 points. UAB dominated the game in transition, outscoring Middle Tennessee 19-10 in points off turnovers and 27-13 in fast-break points.

Four Blazers played 43 minutes or more in Friday's victory – Ertel (54), Walker (46), Quan Jackson (43) and KJ Buffen (43). Jackson tallied his second straight double-double with 16 points, 10 rebounds and four steals. Buffen tied Jackson for the team-lead in rebounding with 10 boards.

UAB's win also tied a single-season record with 26 victories. A win on Saturday would not only set a new UAB single-season record, but it would also punch the Blazers' ticket to the Big Dance.

The Blazers will face Louisiana Tech (24-9) in the Conference USA Tournament Championship Game on Saturday night. Saturday's tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. and will be broadcasted live on CBS Sports Network.

MEN'S BASKETBALL TICKET INFORMATION
UAB men's basketball season-ticket packages for the 2022-23 season are on sale now and start for as low as $110 in Blaze's Corner. The public season-ticket price is set at $275, while season tickets for UAB employees and alumni are available for $245 per seat. Scholarship seating is also available, and fans can also request more information by clicking here.