The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Wednesday, February 28
Birmingham, Ala.
7 p.m.
UAB
18-10,10-5AAC
66
vs
74
Wichita State
12-17,4-12AAC
1
2
F
Wichita St.
39
35
74
UAB
33
33
66
Photo by: Sully Ortega
Men’s Basketball Falls to Wichita State
2/28/2024 11:03:00 PM | Men's Basketball
BIRMINGHAM – UAB men's basketball (18-10, 10-5 AAC) fell to Wichita State (12-17, 4-12 AAC) on Wednesday at Bartow Arena, 74-66. Alejandro Vasquez scored 22 points while Yaxel Lendeborg recorded his 14th double-double of the year with 20 points and 15 rebounds.
The Blazers jumped out to an early 16-9 lead at the first media timeout after an Eric Gaines steal led to an Alejandro Vasquez layup.
Wichita State took its first lead of the night with six minutes remaining in the first half after Ridgnal hit an open three to make it 25-24. The Shockers maintained their lead through the first half as Colby Rogers led Wichita State with 19 first half points. Rogers buried a three at the buzzer to put the Shockers ahead 39-33 at the half.
The Shockers quickly pushed their lead to double digits early in the second half after scoring the first five points after the break. The Wichita State lead stretch to as many as 19 points as the Blazers struggled to score. UAB added only two points over a five-minute stretch early in the second half.
With the Blazers trailing by 15, Yaxel Lendeborg reignited the Bartow Arena crowd, finishing a dunk over the Wichita State center with 6:52 remaining. Lendeborg increased the intensity on the offensive and defensive ends, allowing the Blazers to cut the margin to just three points with 4:21 remaining.
On the ensuing possession, Lendeborg's layup and free throw made it a one-point game at 65-64 with just over three minutes to go. The Blazers, however, could not overtake the Shockers.
Wichita State scored after offensive rebounds on back-to-back possessions to push the lead back to multiple possessions. Lendeborg cut the margin back to four with a layup at the 1:28 mark and the Blazers were able to get a stop, but a turnover on the next possession turned into two points for Wichita State.
The Blazers could not capitalize on their late opportunities, falling 74-66 at home.
NOTES
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 2024 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.
The Blazers jumped out to an early 16-9 lead at the first media timeout after an Eric Gaines steal led to an Alejandro Vasquez layup.
Wichita State took its first lead of the night with six minutes remaining in the first half after Ridgnal hit an open three to make it 25-24. The Shockers maintained their lead through the first half as Colby Rogers led Wichita State with 19 first half points. Rogers buried a three at the buzzer to put the Shockers ahead 39-33 at the half.
The Shockers quickly pushed their lead to double digits early in the second half after scoring the first five points after the break. The Wichita State lead stretch to as many as 19 points as the Blazers struggled to score. UAB added only two points over a five-minute stretch early in the second half.
With the Blazers trailing by 15, Yaxel Lendeborg reignited the Bartow Arena crowd, finishing a dunk over the Wichita State center with 6:52 remaining. Lendeborg increased the intensity on the offensive and defensive ends, allowing the Blazers to cut the margin to just three points with 4:21 remaining.
On the ensuing possession, Lendeborg's layup and free throw made it a one-point game at 65-64 with just over three minutes to go. The Blazers, however, could not overtake the Shockers.
Wichita State scored after offensive rebounds on back-to-back possessions to push the lead back to multiple possessions. Lendeborg cut the margin back to four with a layup at the 1:28 mark and the Blazers were able to get a stop, but a turnover on the next possession turned into two points for Wichita State.
The Blazers could not capitalize on their late opportunities, falling 74-66 at home.
NOTES
- Yaxel Lendeborg posted his 14th double-double of the season despite getting into foul trouble in the first half.
- His 20 points and 15 rebounds marked his fifth 20-point, 15-rebound performance of the year, which ranks second in the nation, trailing only Zach Edey of Purdue.
- Lendeborg moved into eighth on the UAB single season rebounding list with 288, passing Chris Cokley.
- Alejandro Vasquez scored 22 points and grabbed a career high seven rebounds. His 22 points marked his fourth 20-point effort of the season.
- Daniel Ortiz added 10 points while shooting 2-for-4 from three.
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 2024 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.
Team Stats
WSU
UAB
FG%
.500
.404
3FG%
.533
.313
FT%
.750
.682
RB
38
31
TO
18
13
STL
9
8
Game Leaders
Pts
22
FGM
7
3FGM
2
FTM
6
Pts
20
FGM
8
3FGM
0
FTM
4
Pts
10
FGM
4
3FGM
2
FTM
0
Pts
7
FGM
2
3FGM
0
FTM
3
Players Mentioned
Guard
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