Blazing Trails: The Thrilling World of UAB Athletics

BIRMINGHAM – The UAB men’s basketball team heads to Tampa to compete against South Florida on Wednesday evening. The game is scheduled for a 6 p.m. CT start.

WATCH
The matchup on Wednesday will be broadcasted live on ESPN+.

LISTEN
David Crane will provide commentary for the Blazers on 100.5 ESPN.

SERIES HISTORY
UAB holds the all-time advantage over the Bulls, leading the series 41-21. The Blazers have faced the Bulls more than any other team. UAB clinched victory in both encounters during the 2023-24 season, defeating the Bulls in Birmingham prior to securing a win over USF in the American Conference Tournament semifinals.

Andy Kennedy had a 5-1 record as a player against the Bulls and boasts a perfect 4-0 as a head coach.

LAST TIME OUT
The Blazers achieved their first away victory of the season at Florida Atlantic on Sunday evening, triumphing over the Owls with a score of 81-76. Yaxel Lendeborg contributed significantly, scoring 22 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, and notching seven assists in this win.

YEAR TWO YAX
In his sophomore year at UAB, Yaxel Lendeborg is displaying even more remarkable statistics. He is averaging 16.4 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 3.8 assists thus far this season for the Blazers, leading the squad in all three categories. He becomes the third Blazer (following Carlos Williams and Andy Kennedy) to begin a season with three consecutive games scoring at least 20 points. Lendeborg was recognized as AAC Player of the Week after averaging 23.5 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 7.5 assists across two wins against Tulane and Florida Atlantic.

APPROACHING HISTORY
The Blazers have captured 111 victories over the past five seasons, nearing a program record for the highest wins in any five-year span. The former record of 117 was achieved from 1981-1986.

CRASH THE BOARDS
This season, UAB continues to rank among the nation’s elite rebounding teams, coming in 15th in the country in rebounds per game with 41.1. The Blazers are especially proficient on the offensive boards, averaging 14.7 per game, which ranks 12th nationally. Yaxel Lendeborg was the leading rebounder last season with 10.6 per game. He has recorded 15 or more rebounds in 12 matches as a Blazer, including an impressive 21-rebound game against Florida Atlantic, which is the second-highest in program history.

GROUP RATES AND FAN EXPERIENCE PACKAGES NOW AVAILABLE

Individual and corporate parties can arrange an unforgettable experience during any of UAB’s home games at Bartow Arena this season by completing the UAB Basketball Group Ticket Request Form. Fan experience packages and discounted group tickets can be acquired with a minimum purchase 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 enable your friends, family, or organization to save money on single-game ticket prices while gaining access to memorable fan experiences at Bartow Arena. Discounted group prices are available for both men’s and women’s basketball games, and rates are determined by the size of the pre-purchased group. This season, UAB Athletics is providing unique fan experiences for groups, including a spirit tunnel, sideline warm-up viewing, group photography at center court, post-game free throws, and videoboard recognition, among other offerings. Click here for a complete list of group rates, group benefits, and fan experience packages available.

BLAZER BOOSTERS

Blazer Nation, thank you for your continued support in creating the best experience for Blazer student-athletes as they work to Win Championships, Graduate with Honors, and Make a Difference in the Birmingham community. Every donation received plays a crucial part in the advancement of UAB Athletics. As we initiate the 2025 giving year, head to Blazerboosters.com to discover more opportunities to positively impact Blazer student-athletes or to commence your support for 2025.

FOLLOW THE BLAZERS

For further details regarding the UAB men’s basketball team, follow @UAB_MBB on Twitter and Instagram.