UAB Blazers and Rice Owls Prepare to Battle in Birmingham's Bartow Arena
As the University of Alabama at Birmingham Blazers prepare to host the Rice Owls at Bartow Arena, fans are buzzing with anticipation for what promises to be a riveting encounter. The UAB Blazers have been on a remarkable trajectory this season, and their upcoming game on February 22nd is shaping up to be another showcase of their prowess.
The Blazers' recent performance against Drake Bulldogs on December 22nd was a testament to their tenacity. In an electrifying overtime victory, UAB edged out the Bulldogs by a single point, finishing with a score of 79-78. This nail-biter saw the Blazers demonstrate exceptional shooting accuracy from inside the arc, hitting an impressive 58 percent of two-point attempts and maintaining an overall field goal percentage of 51 percent. Despite being outrebounded by Drake's 34 total rebounds compared to UAB's 28, it was UAB's strategic play that clinched the win.
Earlier in December, on the 17th against Montevallo Falcons, UAB showcased their dominance with a resounding victory scoring 92 points while limiting Montevallo to just 56. Their aggressive defense resulted in an astounding number of steals (14) and points off turnovers (38), highlighting their ability to convert defensive plays into offensive opportunities.
UAB's away game against Alabama A&M Bulldogs on December 14th further solidified their reputation as formidable opponents. Scoring an impressive total of 93 points and maintaining a field goal percentage at an even keel with half-century marks demonstrates that they can deliver both at home and away.
Looking ahead at the clash with Rice Owls, there is every reason for optimism among Blazer fans. The team has shown consistent strength in converting chances into points within paint areas and beyond the arc when necessary – as evidenced by their solid three-point percentage against Alabama A&M (57 percent). Moreover, they've displayed resilience under pressure which could prove crucial in tight moments during upcoming games.
The Rice Owls should not be underestimated though; any opponent warrants due diligence and respect on court. However, given recent performances – especially considering how well-rounded UAB has been playing – it would not be surprising if we witness another display of tactical brilliance from them come game day.
Blazers enthusiasts should mark their calendars for February 22nd when these two teams will face off at Bartow Arena in Birmingham at what will surely be an unmissable event starting at 8:00 PM Eastern Time (7:00 PM Central). For those unable to attend in person, live coverage will be available via ESPN+ online platform ensuring no one misses out on what promises to be another thrilling chapter in this season’s story for UAB basketball.