Gaines, Coleman Lead Blazers to Comeback Win Over SMU

Sunday, March 10

Birmingham, Ala.

2 p.m.

UAB

20-11,12-6AAC

SMU

20-11,11-7AAC

SMU

UAB

Photo by: Ken Shepherd

Gaines, Coleman Lead Blazers to Comeback Win Over SMU

3/10/2024 8:16:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score

BIRMINGHAM – After falling behind by as many as 14 points in the second half, UAB men's basketball (20-11, 12-6 AAC) stormed back to down SMU (20-11, 11-7 AAC), 74-70, and earn a double-bye in the American Conference Tournament. Eric Gaines matched his career high with 22 points and added six steals.

Each team started slowly on the offensive end in the first half, as the teams combined for only 20 points over the first nine minutes. The Blazers closed the first half on a 7-2 run to take a 33-29 advantage into the second half.

The Mustangs came out of the locker room on a 22-5 run to take a 51-38 lead at the 12-minute mark.

Christian Coleman sparked the Blazers' comeback, scoring 10 points over the final 12 minutes after UAB fell behind by double digits while recording his first double-double.

With the Blazers trailing by 10 at the six-minute mark, Eric Gaines went on a solo 6-0 run on back-to-back possessions by hitting a three and then converting on a three-point play. The Mustangs answered with five straight points, but another Gaines three and a putback by Coleman brought the Blazers right back in the game.

Gaines gave UAB the lead for the first time since the 17:08 mark with a pair of free throws with 26 seconds on the clock. On the ensuing possession, SMU got to the free throw line with 11 seconds remaining but missed the front end of the 1-and-1 and UAB held on for the 74-70 win.

NOTES

Eric Gaines scored 22 points, matching his career high, to go with six steals. He scored 14 of his 22 points over the final six minutes.
Christian Coleman scored 16 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for his first double-double as a Blazer.
Alejandro Vasquez scored in double-figures for the fourth-straight game with 14 points.
Yaxel Lendeborg posted his 16^th double-double of the season with 12 points and 12 rebounds. He also blocked three shots.
Lendeborg moved into fourth on the UAB single-season rebounding list with 322 boards, passing Lawrence Kinnard's 2008-09 season and Carlos Williams' 1996-97 season. He is seven rebounds shy of Trey Jemison's record of 329.
UAB has won 20 game in all four seasons under Andy Kennedy.
Kennedy is one of five active head coaches that have won at least 20 games in 14 of their first 17 seasons.
With the win, the Blazers earned the double-bye for the American Conference Tournament.

UP NEXT
The Blazers will face either Memphis or the winner of the Wichita State-Rice game in the American Conference Tournament on Friday, March 15 at 2 p.m. CT at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas.

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.