After a hard fought four quarters, UAB women’s basketball fell short against Louisiana Tech, losing 58-52.
UAB (10-5) started the game out strong leading by four points with four minutes left in the first quarter. An aggressive offensive performance by LA Tech (9-7) caused the Blazers to end the first quarter with a five-point disadvantage.
The Blazers gave a better performance in the second quarter; however, the Bulldogs retained their lead of 28-21 at halftime.
UAB’s overall performance improved in the second half, UAB opened strong with a basket by Kylee Schneringer which was followed by a layup for Emily Klaczek which brought the Blazers within four points of the Bulldogs.
LA Tech maintained their lead throughout the game due to a strong performance by Keiunna Walker who gained 20 of LA Tech’s 58 points.
LA Tech continued to lead throughout the third quarter, UAB ended the quarter only four points behind the Bulldogs after a layup by Zakyia Weathersby.
Maria Roters opened the fourth quarter with a basket for the Blazers taking LA Tech’s advantage from four points to two points. The Bulldogs extended their lead to seven points with eight minutes on the clock.
A foul by LA Tech allowed UAB’s Weatherby to bring the game within three points, but this was spoiled by an 8-0 runfor LA Tech.
UAB slowly closed the score gap until a layup by UAB’s Emily Klaczek lowered LA Tech’s advantage to only six points with fifty-seven seconds left in the game. A personal foul by UAB’s Margret Whitley allows a layup by LA Tech’s Amaya Branon to end the game.
Klaczek led the Blazers in points, scoring 15 total. Roters followed with 12 points, and Zakyia Weathersby gained 17 rebounds and 10 points for UAB.
UAB Head Coach Randy Norton said that he is proud of how hard his team fought but going forward he wants to see more points on the board.
“Honestly they just played better than we did today,” Norton said. “I’m proud of our effort. One game is not going to define this team.”
UAB will tipoff next against Western Kentucky on Jan. 27 at 6:00pm in Bartow Arena.
