UAB Blazers Face Setback at Bartow Arena Against North Texas Mean Green
In a conference game that saw the University of Alabama at Birmingham Blazers fall to the North Texas Mean Green, the final score read 63-52. The Blazers' season record now stands at an even keel, while the Mean Green improved their standing with this victory.
The game unfolded at Bartow Arena in Birmingham, where 5,109 spectators witnessed a contest that was closely fought in parts. The first half ended with the UAB Blazers trailing by 11 points after scoring 29 to North Texas's 40. Despite a valiant effort in the second half, both teams scored an equal number of points—23—leaving the deficit unchanged and sealing a win for the visitors.
The UAB Blazers showed determination on defense with seven steals and two blocks but struggled offensively. They shot only 36 percent from field goal range and were particularly challenged beyond the arc, converting only one out of ten three-point attempts—a mere ten percent success rate. However, they fared better inside, contributing 26 points from within the paint.
Free throws were another area where UAB managed to keep pace; they made seventeen out of twenty-four attempts which translates to approximately seventy-one percent accuracy. This performance from the line was crucial in keeping them within striking distance throughout much of the game.
Rebounding was a strong suit for UAB as they collected thirty-two rebounds—seven offensive and twenty-five defensive—which eclipsed North Texas's total by six rebounds. Yet turnovers proved costly for UAB; thirteen player turnovers contributed significantly to their defeat as it limited their opportunities on offense.
On contrast, North Texas showcased efficient shooting across all fronts: forty-eight percent field goal shooting complemented by an impressive forty-seven percent from three-point land. Their free throw accuracy stood at seventy-eight percent as they capitalized on seven out of nine attempts.
North Texas also demonstrated effective ball movement with twelve assists and maintained control over possession better than their opponents with fewer turnovers (eleven). Points off turnovers were pivotal for them as they scored sixteen compared to eleven by UAB.
The upcoming schedule pits University of Alabama at Birmingham against Louisiana Tech Bulldogs on January 26th at Bartow Arena—the home court advantage offering another opportunity for redemption after this setback. Fans can tune into CBS Sports Network channel two hundred twenty-one to catch all live action starting at nine PM Eastern Time.