UAB took down Shorter 76-45 in the first game of their regular season.
UAB’s Emily Klaczek set a career high scoring 18 points this game and shooting 4-4 at the line.
Shorter’s Kelly Pickett opened the game with a fast break layup for the Hawks. This was followed by a personal foul on Shorter’s Tiara Lewis. The made two free-throws by UAB’s Margaret Whitley evened the score to 2-2 only a minute into the game.
The Hawks scored 18 points and there were five lead changes in the first quarter. The Blazers ended the first quarter with two free-throws and a three-pointer by Klaczek.
After a missed three-pointer by Shorter’s Pickett, UAB’s Whitely took the ball down the court and fed it to Klaczek who scored a three-point jumper for the Blazers. With the Hawks only scoring twice in the second quarter, UAB extended their lead to 43-27 going into halftime.
UAB’s offense stole the show in the second half with back-to-back layups by Weathersby and Maria Roters. UAB scored twelve points in paint during the third quarter to Shorter’s four.
In the fourth quarter, UAB shot 35.3% for field goals and 75% for free-throws. The Blazers scored 12 points, eight scored by Klaczek.
“Every game, every practice, every exhibition game you’re just looking for improvement that why you play the non-conference season. I thought defensively we really tightened things up. Obviously, we were not happy the first quarter, we gave up eighteen points but then we came back the second half and really challenged them,” said head coach Randy Norton.
Klaczek said she credits her team for her success in this game.
“Credit to my teammates. They’re out there giving me assists. They’re feeding me the ball. They’re on the sideline cheering me on. Everything that I do is because of them and how we practice as a team,” said Klaczek.
Next, UAB will travel to Chicago to take on Chicago State on Nov. 13 . Tipoff is set for 12:00 p.m.
