UAB Blazers: Unleashing Excellence in Athletics

DENTON, Texas – On Tuesday, it unfolded as a story divided into two segments as UAB men’s basketball (7-7, 0-1 AAC) lost to North Texas (10-3, 1-0 AAC) with a final score of 78-75 when Atin Wright sank a three-pointer just as time expired.

After the Blazers had a dominating performance in the initial 20 minutes, the Mean Green came back with a powerful second half to secure victory in their conference debut.

UAB recorded an impressive shooting percentage of 63.6 from beyond the arc during the first half, with Tyren Moore sinking three shots and Alejandro Vasquez contributing two. The Blazers also capitalized on free throw opportunities, finishing 15-for-16 from the line prior to halftime.

The Blazers seized control of the match around the halfway point. Holding a 31-24 advantage at the 7:37 mark, UAB launched a 12-2 scoring spree, highlighted by eight points from Alejandro Vasquez, extending their lead to 17 with just over three minutes left before the break.

UAB’s lead grew to as much as 18 points, concluding the first half with a score of 48-31.

North Texas opened the second half with a 13-2 scoring run, quickly chipping away at UAB’s lead. Atin Wright narrowed the margin to single digits for the first time with 13:46 left, converting a pair of free throws.

Wright and Latrell Jossell had standout performances for North Texas, with Wright finishing the night with 22 points and Jossell achieving a career-high 20.

Jossell trimmed the deficit to only three points with 10:35 remaining after hitting a three-pointer, followed by Lorient adding a free throw on the next possession, bringing it to a two-point game. However, Tony Toney responded with a three of his own, extending the lead back to five.

In a critical moment, at the very last second of the shot clock, Ja’Borri McGhee connected on a three-pointer, putting the Blazers ahead 66-60 with 8:27 left. Over the ensuing five minutes, the Mean Green outscored the Blazers 13-3, taking a four-point lead at 73-69 with 3:12 remaining.

Efrem “Butta” Johnson came through for the Blazers in the closing moments. He was fouled while attempting a three-pointer and converted all three free throws, making it a one-point game shortly thereafter.

Wright was then sent to the line, successfully making both attempts with 41 seconds left, giving North Texas a 75-72 lead. On UAB’s next possession, Johnson delivered a three-pointer from the wing to level the game with just 21 seconds on the clock.

As the timer counted down, the Blazers pressured Atin Wright into a closely defended three-point attempt from the top of the key, which he managed to sink, clinching the win for North Texas at 78-75.

NOTES

• The Blazers’ 48 points scored in the first half equals the most allowed by the Mean Green in any half this season.
• UAB successfully made 10 three-pointers in a game for the third occasion this season.
• Yaxel Lendeborg contributed 12 points and 11 rebounds, marking his eighth double-double of the season.
• Alejandro Vasquez added 15 points, achieving a perfect 5-for-5 from the charity stripe.

 
WHAT’S NEXT
The Blazers will host Tulsa on Saturday, January 4 at 1 p.m. CT at Bartow Arena.

GROUP RATES AND FAN EXPERIENCE PACKAGES NOW AVAILABLE

Both individual and corporate groups can arrange an unforgettable experience during any UAB home event at Bartow Arena this season by filling out the UAB Basketball Group Ticket Request Form. Fan experience packages and discounted group tickets can be purchased for a minimum of 15 tickets, and fan experiences at Bartow Arena are available during any home basketball game on a first-come, first-served basis throughout the season.

Group ticket packages allow your family, friends, or organization to save on individual game ticket prices while enjoying memorable fan experiences at Bartow Arena. Discounted group rates are applicable for both men’s and women’s basketball games, with pricing determined by the size of the pre-purchased group. This season, UAB Athletics offers distinctive fan experiences for groups, which include a spirit tunnel, sideline warm-up viewing, group photographs at center court, post-game free throw opportunities, and recognition on the videoboard, among others. Click here for a full list of group rates, group benefits, and fan experience packages offered.

THERE IS STILL TIME

As we approach the end of the 2024 giving year, we invite you to consider supporting UAB Athletics with your year-end contributions. Whether for the Blazer Scholarship Fund or direct support for your preferred UAB team, contributions of any size make a positive impact on the experience of over 450 Blazer student-athletes. Click here and provide your tax-deductible support today.

FOLLOW THE BLAZERS

To learn more about the UAB men’s basketball team, follow @UAB_MBB on Twitter and Instagram.