UAB Women’s Basketball lost their first game to UNC Charlotte in the two game series. 

With a tied game at 74 each, the Blazers were unable to secure the win, as the 49ers made two free throws and a jumper to end the game. The final score was 78-74.

Margaret Whitley led UAB in scoring with 26 points with six rebounds and four assists. Zakyia Weathersby recorded a double-double with 20 points and 20 rebounds, breaking her game-high rebound record at UAB.

“It feels great but tough to celebrate with the loss”, said Zakyia Weathersby after finding out her new record.

Jada McMillian led Charlotte with 31 points and had 5 rebounds and four assists.

The Blazers had a tough time in the first quarter leading against the 49ers once at the start of the game. The 49ers went on a 6-0 run with 5:10 minutes left then another 6-0 run with 1:51minutes left. At the end of the first quarter, Charlotte led 23-15.

The 49ers controlled the lead in the second quarter. With just 12 seconds left in the first half, McMillian scored two free throws ending the half 37-24 with Charlotte leading by 13 points.

At the start of the second half, UAB found a spark in themselves, going on a 12-0 run with 7:10 remaining with Whitley scoring seven of those twelve points. With 2:58 remaining, UAB tied the game 48-48 then tied the game again at the end of the third quarter 55-55.

The last quarter was a close game with the highest lead being by 5 led by the 49ers with 6:45left in the game. Whitley scored two additional free throws with 4:02 left, letting UAB lead for the first time since the first minutes of the game at 67-66. 

With 1:11 remaining, UAB’s Sam Mitchell scored a 3-pointer, tying the game once again at 74-74. Charlotte scored the next four points, thus defeating the Blazers 78-74.

“We’ll focus more on defense and just execute the game plan”, Weathersby said when asked about what changes will be made next game.

The team (7-4) will play the 49ers again tomorrow Saturday, Jan. 16th at Bartow Arena.