Thursday evening, UAB broke No. 19 FAU’s 20-game winning streak 86-72 in Bartow Arena. This is the first time a ranked opponent has been to Bartow since 2019.
UAB’s Eric Gaines led the Blazers this game with 21 points and 10-11 at the free throw line. Gaines started strong, opening the game with two free throws followed by a jumper. By halftime, he had seven points under his belt.
Four minutes into the game, UAB lost the lead with a layup by FAU’s Vladislav Goldin. Gaines quickly retaliated with a three-pointer for the Blazers.
FAU regained their lead until two free throws by UAB’s Trey Jemison and a layup by UAB’s Tony Toney put the score at 22-19 with 8:21 left in the first half. FAU could not gain a lead for the rest of the game.
UAB’s Jordan Walker returned for his first game in three weeks after an injury. He scored 13 points and had 6 assists in 27 minutes of playtime.
The defense in this game was crucial. KJ Buffen led the team with 9 rebounds, followed by Jemison and Davis with four and five. Jemison quickly got into foul trouble in the first half, followed by Buffen and Davis in the second half.
FAU fought during the second half with 47 points and a 48.8 scoring percentage. However, they were unable to overcome the Blazers.
Walker scored a three-pointer followed by a jumper with 9:10 left in the game. This was one of the two three-pointers made by Walker during the game.
FAU ended the game with a three-pointer by Alijah Martin in the last second. This is the third game UAB has won in a row.
UAB will take on FIU Saturday, Feb. 4 in Bartow Arena. Tipoff is at 3:00 pm.
