For the first time since 2015, the UAB Blazers have won the Conference USA tournament championship and are headed back to the big dance. They defeated LA Tech 82-73 Saturday night to earn the title. 

The Blazers led by as many as 19 during the contest but saw their lead cut to just three in the final minutes of the game. Who would provide the spark for the Blazers down the stretch? None other than Jordan “Jelly” Walker. 

Walker would go 11-11 from the free throw line in the contest, including a pair in the final minute of the game to seal the victory for the Blazers. 

UAB had its fair share of ups and downs in the tournament, including a matchup on Friday against Middle Tennessee that would go into triple overtime.  

Despite finding themselves in almost insurmountable situations, the Blazers were able to capture just their second Conference USA tournament championship in school history. 

Walker was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. He had a 26- point performance in the quarterfinals against FAU, a 40-point performance against Middle Tennessee and a 27-point performance in the championship game. 

Walker, Quan Jackson and Michael Ertel were named to the Conference USA All-Tournament team.  

UAB will await their matchup for the first round of the NCAA tournament, which will be announced on Sunday, Mar. 13.