by Garrett Helmers
North Texas (20-4, 13-1) broke the hearts of UAB fans with a last second three by Tylor Perry, who had a game high 25 points. With the 58-57 loss, the Blazers (20-7, 10-4) dropped their first game at Bartow this season.
Perry, who hit clutch shot after clutch shot, was the lone offensive star in a highly competitive defensive battle.
The Blazers held North Texas to just 43 percent from the field, forced 14 turnovers and rebounded the ball well, but were unable to come up with a stop when it mattered most.
UAB started the game with a three by Jordan Walker, who found himself being double-teamed all afternoon. Walker would finish with a team-high 17 points but had trouble finding a rhythm against the Mean Green.
While the Blazers played well on defense, their struggles on offense were the result of a stifling North Texas defense. UAB shot just 33 percent from the field in the first half, including shooting a measly one of five from three.
Despite their struggles, UAB would lead by as many as six in the first half and would take a two-point lead into the break. A swallowing defense would keep everyone not named Tylor Perry on the Mean Green in check, but Perry was able to close the half with a jumper at the buzzer.
Unfortunately for UAB, that would only be the first of two last-second shots Perry would hit in Bartow.
The Blazers again struggled to find a rhythm in the second half, trailing for most of the period thanks to another poor shooting performance.
The Blazers did find a way to break loose with about five minutes to play, going on an 11-0 run to take a six-point lead. UAB had several chances to put the Mean Green away at the free throw line but would eventually let their lead slip away.
UAB shot just 14-23 from the free throw line, well below their season average of 78 percent. KJ Buffen and Tavin Lovan would miss two huge free throws in the final minute that would have sealed a Blazer victory.
Instead, the Mean Green would take advantage of missed opportunity.
With just under 30 seconds to play, the Mean Green got the ball down two with a chance to tie or take the lead. Everyone in Bartow knew Perry was going to get the ball and with a defender draped all over him, Perry drilled a three to steal the victory in Bartow.
Coach Andy Kennedy recognizes his team had plenty of opportunities to win down the stretch.
“[We] had our chances but didn’t execute enough to get out of here with a much-needed win,” said Kennedy. “We’re not taking enough advantage of those opportunities.”
Despite the loss, Kennedy was still able to crack a few jokes after game.
When asked how he would handle the loss, Kennedy joked, “red wine.”
UAB now trails North Texas by three games with just four games left on the conference slate. They need to win out to lock up the number two seed and avoid playing an extra game in Frisco.
The Blazers play again on Thursday, Feb. 24 against UTSA (9-18, 2-12). Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. in San Antonio.
