UAB MBB Downs No. 19 Memphis in Bartow Classic

Sunday, January 28

Birmingham, Ala.

4 p.m.

UAB

13-7,5-2AAC

Memphis

15-5,4-3AAC

Memphis

UAB

Photo by: Sully Ortega

UAB MBB Downs No. 19 Memphis in Bartow Classic

1/28/2024 8:48:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score Postgame Presser: Andy Kennedy Postgame Presser: Yaxel Lendeborg

BIRMINGHAM – UAB Men's Basketball (13-7, 5-2 AAC) picked up a decisive, 97-88, win over Memphis (15-5, 4-3 AAC) on Sunday afternoon at Bartow Arena in the 15^th annual Bartow Classic in front of the largest crowd at Bartow Arena since 2016. Yaxel Lendeborg scored 23 points and grabbed 16 rebounds and Eric Gaines scored 20 points while shooting 7-for-10 from the field.

The first half was a back-and-forth affair with the Tigers leading for most of the period despite turning the ball over 13 times. UAB took advantage of those opportunities, turning the 13 turnovers into 14 points.

The Blazers never trailed by more than six points over the first 20 minutes, keeping the Tigers within striking distance. To close out the half, Gaines and Lendeborg scored UAB's final 12 points and Gaines' three just before the buzzer gave UAB a 45-44 lead heading into the locker room.

After UAB captured the momentum entering halftime, they did not give it back. Alejandro Vasquez put the Blazers ahead at the 19:19 mark and UAB did not trail from that point on.

Leading 54-53 at the 16:38 mark, the Blazers broke the game open with a 12-3 run to take a 10-point lead, capped off by a pair of steals from Gaines and transition layups from Tony Toney and Yaxel Lendeborg.

The Blazers took a 14-point lead at the 9:40 mark after Alejandro Vasquez knocked down a pair of free throws. Despite Memphis' best efforts to trim the lead, UAB maintained its lead.

Tony Toney's layup with 5:13 remaining game the Blazers their largest lead of the night at 88-73, but Memphis was finally able to respond. The Tigers cut UAB's lead to single digits for the first time since giving up the run early in the half at the four-minute mark.

UAB struggled to close out the game at the free throw line, going 3-for-6 for a stretch until Efrem "Butta" Johnson knocked down a pair and Javian Davis added two more. Johnson closed the game out with 18 seconds to go and the Tigers missed a three pointer to close the game at 97-88.

NOTES

UAB picked up its seventh straight win at Bartow Arena with the win. During Andy Kennedy's tenure, the Blazers are now 57-9 at home.
The Blazers beat a ranked opponent for the first time since Feb. 2, 2023, when UAB beat No. 19 Florida Atlantic.
Yaxel Lendeborg posted his fourth 20-point, 15-rebound double-double of the season with 23 points and 16 boards.
Lendeborg has grabbed 15 or more rebounds in six games this season.
Eric Gaines put together a career performance with 20 points, four rebounds, four assists and four steals.
Five different Blazers finished in double figures while every UAB player that entered the game scored at least six points.
The Blazers scored a season-high 97 points in the win.
Tony Toney played in his 100^th game as a Blazer while adding six points off the bench.

UP NEXT
UAB will travel to Denton to face North Texas on Wednesday, January 31. Tipoff is at 8 p.m. CT on ESPNU.

TICKET INFORMATION
Single game tickets are on sale for as low as $12. Follow this link or call the UAB Athletics Ticket Office at (205) 975-UAB1 for more information.

GROUP AND PREMIUM TICKETS
Individual and corporate groups can plan an unforgettable experience during any of UAB's 18 home events this season by filling out the UAB Basketball Group Ticket Request Form. Fan experience packages and discounted group tickets are available for a minimum purchase of 15 tickets, and fan experiences at Bartow Arena are available at any home basketball game on a first come, first served basis throughout the season.

In addition, a limited number of premium seating options also remain at Bartow Arena and provides fans and corporations the ability to enjoy the exclusive amenities offered at Bartow Arena while experiencing the action from midcourt views. Call Blazer Boosters at (205) 996-9969 to learn more.

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