Men's Basketball Falls at SMU

Sunday, February 4

Dallas, Texas

5 p.m.

UAB

14-8,6-3AAC

SMU

15-7,6-3AAC

UAB

SMU

Photo by: Mario Terrana

Men's Basketball Falls at SMU

2/4/2024 7:53:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score

DALLAS – UAB men's basketball led by as many as 12 in the second half, but could not hold off SMU late, falling 72-69. Efrem "Butta" Johnson scored a career high 20 points while shooting 8-for-12 from the field, but his deep three at the buzzer did not go down.

The Blazers got off to a slow start in the first half, falling behind 24-15 at the 6:37 mark. SMU maintained its lead thanks to 10 UAB turnovers over the first 20 minutes and the Mustangs went into the break with a 32-27 lead.

UAB came out of the locker room with more energy in the second half, opening the half on a 9-1 run. Johnson was key in UAB's second half run, scoring 16 of his 20 points after halftime. Christian Coleman's dunk with 10:17 to go in the second half put UAB ahead by 12.

SMU worked the lead back down to single digits in the final minutes. The Mustangs went on a 16-2 run over five minutes starting at the 5:55 mark in the second half to take a 70-65 lead with 55 seconds left.

The teams traded free throws over the final possessions and Johnson had a look at a three at the buzzer, but it did not go down. The Blazers fell 72-69.

NOTES

Efrem "Butta" Johnson had a career high 20 points while shooting 8-for-12 from the field.
Christian Coleman was the only other Blazer to reach double figures with 10 points.
Eric Gaines matched his career best of 10 assists.
UAB struggled with turnovers all night. The Blazers turned it over 15 times compared to just seven from SMU.
UAB leads the all-time series 9-3, the Mustangs snapped the Blazers' seven-game winning streak between the two programs.
The Blazers matched their season high of 21 assists.

UP NEXT
The Blazers return to Bartow Arena to face No. 20 Florida Atlantic on Thursday. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. CT.

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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