The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Sunday, January 7
Birmingham, Ala.
2 p.m.
UAB
vs
South Florida
Photo by: Ken Shepherd
Men’s Basketball Hosts South Florida in AAC Home Opener
1/6/2024 4:52:00 PM | Men's Basketball
BIRMINGHAM - UAB men's basketball hosts South Florida on Sunday afternoon at Bartow Arena for the Blazers' AAC home opener. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m. CT.
WATCH
Sunday's contest will stream live on ESPN+ with Curt Bloom and Mo Finley on the call.
LISTEN
David Crane and Steve Mitchell will call the game for UAB on 100.5 ESPN JOX 2.
SERIES HISTORY
UAB leads the all-time series 39-21, including a 20-7 advantage in Birmingham. The Blazers have faced the Bulls more than any other opponent. Last season, UAB defeated South Florida at the Sunshine Slam, 80-65.
LAST TIME OUT
UAB picked up its first-ever AAC win at UTSA on Tuesday night, defeating the Roadrunners, 78-76, after Efrem "Butta" Johnson knocked down a go-ahead jumper with two seconds remaining. Johnson scored each of the Blazers' last 10 points over the final 3:29 while Yaxel Lendeborg added 23 points, grabbed 15 rebounds, and blocked a career-best seven shots.
STOCK RISING
Yaxel Lendeborg is beginning to find his rhythm in his debut season at UAB. The junior forward had a breakout game on the offensive end against Furman where he filled up the stat sheet with 19 points, 10 rebounds, five blocks, three assists and two steals, all while shooting 8-for-10 from the field. He earned AAC Player of the Week honors after putting up 24 points and grabbing 15 rebounds in a win over UNC Asheville and followed up that performance with 23 points, 15 rebounds and seven blocks at UTSA. So far this season, he has blocked a shot in every game. The 6'9" forward is averaging 11.5 points, 8.9 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game early in his career.
SMOOTH LIKE "BUTTA"
After a freshman season that featured some impressive moments, Efrem "Butta" Johnson has high expectations in year two. Johnson averaged 3.5 points and 1.3 rebounds per game last year while shooting 37.8 percent from beyond the arc and is set to take on a much larger role. Johnson scored 17 points against Clemson earlier this season while adding three rebounds and three assists. He later set a career high with 18 points, including the game-winning three with 27 seconds to go against Alcorn State. Johnson stepped up once again in the clutch against UTSA, scoring the final 10 points, including the game-winner with two seconds to go.
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.
POWER UP
UAB Athletics is excited to officially compete in the American Athletic Conference and needs Blazer Nation to Power Up by becoming a 2023 Blazer Boosters member. Join Blazer Boosters today as UAB student-athletes complete for championships, graduate with honors, and make a difference in our community.
FOLLOW THE BLAZERS
For more information on the UAB men's basketball team, follow @UAB_MBB on Twitter and Instagram.
WATCH
Sunday's contest will stream live on ESPN+ with Curt Bloom and Mo Finley on the call.
LISTEN
David Crane and Steve Mitchell will call the game for UAB on 100.5 ESPN JOX 2.
SERIES HISTORY
UAB leads the all-time series 39-21, including a 20-7 advantage in Birmingham. The Blazers have faced the Bulls more than any other opponent. Last season, UAB defeated South Florida at the Sunshine Slam, 80-65.
LAST TIME OUT
UAB picked up its first-ever AAC win at UTSA on Tuesday night, defeating the Roadrunners, 78-76, after Efrem "Butta" Johnson knocked down a go-ahead jumper with two seconds remaining. Johnson scored each of the Blazers' last 10 points over the final 3:29 while Yaxel Lendeborg added 23 points, grabbed 15 rebounds, and blocked a career-best seven shots.
STOCK RISING
Yaxel Lendeborg is beginning to find his rhythm in his debut season at UAB. The junior forward had a breakout game on the offensive end against Furman where he filled up the stat sheet with 19 points, 10 rebounds, five blocks, three assists and two steals, all while shooting 8-for-10 from the field. He earned AAC Player of the Week honors after putting up 24 points and grabbing 15 rebounds in a win over UNC Asheville and followed up that performance with 23 points, 15 rebounds and seven blocks at UTSA. So far this season, he has blocked a shot in every game. The 6'9" forward is averaging 11.5 points, 8.9 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game early in his career.
SMOOTH LIKE "BUTTA"
After a freshman season that featured some impressive moments, Efrem "Butta" Johnson has high expectations in year two. Johnson averaged 3.5 points and 1.3 rebounds per game last year while shooting 37.8 percent from beyond the arc and is set to take on a much larger role. Johnson scored 17 points against Clemson earlier this season while adding three rebounds and three assists. He later set a career high with 18 points, including the game-winning three with 27 seconds to go against Alcorn State. Johnson stepped up once again in the clutch against UTSA, scoring the final 10 points, including the game-winner with two seconds to go.
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.
POWER UP
UAB Athletics is excited to officially compete in the American Athletic Conference and needs Blazer Nation to Power Up by becoming a 2023 Blazer Boosters member. Join Blazer Boosters today as UAB student-athletes complete for championships, graduate with honors, and make a difference in our community.
FOLLOW THE BLAZERS
For more information on the UAB men's basketball team, follow @UAB_MBB on Twitter and Instagram.
Players Mentioned
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