Johnson Helps Blazers Escape at Rice

Wednesday, February 19

Houston, Texas

7 p.m.

UAB

17-9,10-3AAC

Rice

12-15,3-11AAC

UAB

Rice

Johnson Helps Blazers Escape at Rice

2/19/2025 10:10:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score

BIRMINGHAM – Efrem "Butta" Johnson scored 17 of his 24 points in the second half to help UAB men's basketball (17-9, 10-3 AAC) escape with a 90-89 win at Rice (12-14, 3-11 AAC).

Yaxel Lendeborg knocked down two free throws with 5.7 seconds remaining to give UAB the lead and Rice went 0-for-2 at the line with one second remaining.

Both teams struggled to get stops early in the first half as Rice led 13-12 at the first media timeout. The Blazers' interior got the scoring started as Yaxel Lendeborg and Bradley Ezewiro each were in double figures in the first half.

UAB took the largest lead of the game with 9:31 left in the first half as Tyren Moore knocked down a deep three to make it 31-24. The Owls immediately responded with a 7-0 run to tie the game back up.

After Rice took a one-point lead with two minutes remaining, UAB scored the final four points of the half to take a 43-40 lead into the locker room.

The Owls came out of the locker room and took the lead within the first three minutes of the second half and the game remained within five points for the rest of the night.

Johnson hit some crucial shots for UAB in the second half, including three three-pointers. His three with 4:15 remaining gave the Blazers a 75-70 lead, but the Owls were able to get back-to-back three-point plays to go ahead 76-75 only 36 seconds later.

Butta responded again to push UAB back in front after the final media timeout, but Rice responded with a bucket of their own to retake the lead.

The Owls went up by five points as Kellen Amos banked in a three with 1:48 remaining before Johnson knocked down a three for the Blazers to cut it to 83-81 with 1:37 to go. Johnson then brought UAB within one point with a contested fadeaway three on the next possession to cut it to 85-84.

Rice hit a pair of free throws to go ahead by three with 17 seconds left. Tyren Moore was fouled shooting a three with 5.7 on the clock with a chance to tie the game. Moore missed the first but knocked down the next two and on the last attempt, Lendeborg was fouled going for the rebound.

Lendeborg then calmly knocked down both of his attempts to put UAB on top at 90-89. Rice was then fouled with just under two seconds remaining and missed both attempts and the Blazers held on for the win.

NOTES

Efrem "Butta" Johnson scored a career high 24 points while shooting 10-for-13 from the field to lead the team.
Yaxel Lendeborg recorded his 18^th double-double of the season with 21 points and 14 rebounds. He shot 8-for-8 from the free throw line in the win.
Bradley Ezewiro added 12 points on 6-of-8 shooting.
With the win, Tony Toney now has been at UAB for 118 wins, more than any other scholarship player in program history.

UP NEXT
The Blazers are set to host Temple on Sunday at 1 p.m. CT at Bartow Arena.

GROUP RATES AND FAN EXPERIENCE PACKAGES NOW AVAILABLE
Individual and corporate groups can plan an unforgettable experience during any of UAB's home events at Bartow Arena 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.

Group ticket packages provide your family, friends, or company the opportunity to save money on the single game ticket price while providing access to memorable fan experiences at Bartow Arena. Discounted group rates are available for both men's and women's basketball games and pricing is based on the size of the pre-purchased group. This season, UAB Athletics is offering unique fan experiences for groups including a spirit tunnel, sideline warm-up watch, group photo at center court, post-game free throws, and videoboard recognition, among others. Click here for a complete listing of the group rates, group benefits, and fan experience packages offered.

BLAZER BOOSTERS
Blazer Nation, thank you for your continued generosity in providing the best experience for Blazer student-athletes as they strive to Win Championships, Graduate with Honors and Make a Difference in the Birmingham community. Each gift received plays a significant role in the growth of UAB Athletics. As we launch the 2025 giving year, go to Blazerboosters.com to explore more opportunities to impact Blazer student-athletes or to start your 2025 support.

FOLLOW THE BLAZERS
For more information on the UAB men's basketball team, follow @UAB_MBB on Twitter and Instagram.