UAB men’s basketball defeats Rice 78-68

After Rice tied the game 44-44 in the second half, UAB went on a 12-0 run to help their victory by 10 points.

“Our guys didn’t flinch, and we stuck to the game-plan,” said Coach Kennedy on UAB’s 12-0 run.

Michael Ertel led the team with 21 points with four rebounds and a pair of steals. Tyreek Scott-Grayson had 16 points with seven rebounds and four assists. Tavin Lovan contributed 14 points with a pair of rebounds and assists.

Quincy Olivari led the Owls with 17 points and five rebounds.

UAB looked hot in the first half as they went on an 11-0 run within the first four and a half minutes into the game. After Rice tied the game 19-19 with 8:07 left in the first half, the Blazers went on an 8-0 run extending their lead. With a good layup made within the last minute, the Blazers led the Owls 35-26 at the end of the first half.

Rice came out strong with an Olivari dunk to start the second half. Rice then made three 3-pointers back-to-back, tying the game 44-44 with 15:02 minutes left in the second half. After another 3-pointer by Olivari, the Owls took the lead for the first time since the game’s start. However, UAB put the game in high gear, going on a 12-0 run and taking back the lead 58-47 with 10:08 left in the game. UAB continued to lead the game by at least six points until the game ended 78-68.

The UAB Blazers (11-2) will play Rice Owls (10-5) again tomorrow Saturday, Jan. 23 at Bartow Arena.