The Blazers’ second-half comeback attempt came up just short against Chattanooga losing 66-69 in Bartow Arena Saturday.
The Blazers started hot leading by as much as 12 early in the first half. Momentum shifted to the Mocs side, though, and they led 35-31 at halftime.
In the second half, Chattanooga pushed that lead out to as much as 14 before UAB mounted a comeback. With just over a minute to go, UAB recaptured the lead 66-64 with Bartow as loud as it has been all season. The Blazers failed to score on their subsequent possessions, though, and instead send Chattanooga to the free throw line.
“Our biggest point of emphasis coming into the game was pace of play,” head coach Andy Kennedy said. “I thought we imposed our will early and the pace was to our liking, but to Chattanooga’s credit, I thought they calmed down and played with poise.”
Quan Jackson left in the first half and did not return. According to Kennedy, he will be evaluated, but his status is currently unclear.
UAB guard Michael Ertel led all scorers with 18. UAB center Trey Jemison was the game’s leading rebounder bringing in 12.
For the Mocs, Malachi Smith was dominant on both sides of the floor putting up a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Three other Chattanooga players scored in double digits as well.
“Malachi Smith was in complete control of the game from tap to buzzer,” said Kennedy.
The two teams were closely matched, but mistakes cost the Blazers. UAB was ice cold from the three-point line shooting only 3 for 16. UAB also struggled getting to the free throw line attempting less than half of the shots that Chattanooga made at the foul line.
Poor shooting cost the Blazers down the stretch as they were unable to match Chattanooga in the game’s closing minutes.
“These kind of games come down to what I’ve determined is moments of truth,” Kennedy said. “Who can step up in the moment of truth and make the play, and tonight it was Chattanooga on numerous occasions, and that’s why we’ll take our first L on a one possession game and hopefully we can learn from it.”
UAB is set to return to Bartow to face Georgia Tech Wednesday, December 23 in the Bartow Classic. The game will be televised on CBS Sports Network and available to listen to on WJOX 100.5 in Birmingham.
