UAB Blazers and SMU Mustangs Clash at Bartow Arena
As the University of Alabama at Birmingham Blazers prepare to host the SMU Mustangs at Bartow Arena, fans are eager to see if the home advantage will play a pivotal role in this matchup. The Blazers have shown a mixed bag of results in their recent outings, with their performance on home turf being crucial.
In their last game against Tulane's Green Wave, UAB showcased an impressive offensive display, securing a win with 78 points and converting two-point attempts at an astonishing 66 percent rate. Their ability to score in the paint was evident as they racked up 44 points from close range. Moreover, they demonstrated strong defensive capabilities by grabbing 39 rebounds and blocking five shots.
However, consistency has been an issue for UAB as evidenced by their encounter with Rice Owls just days earlier. Despite playing at home, they fell short by scoring only 71 points while allowing a staggering 94 against them. Their field goal percentage dropped significantly to just 34 percent and two-point attempts were converted at only a meager 32 percent rate.
The game prior saw them face off against North Texas' Mean Green where they managed another victory with 71 points but struggled with turnovers which totaled fifteen for that game alone. They did show resilience on defense though, blocking nine shots and limiting North Texas' three-point success to just 22 percent.
As we look ahead to the upcoming clash against SMU Mustangs on March 10th at Bartow Arena in Birmingham, Alabama scheduled for broadcast on ESPN+ starting from two o'clock post meridian Eastern Time (-05:00), it's clear that UAB needs to capitalize on its strengths - particularly its high-scoring offense when it clicks into gear - while shoring up any inconsistencies that have plagued them recently. Fans can expect an intense battle where every possession will count towards either continuing a winning trend or overcoming past stumbles for another shot at victory in front of their supportive home crowd.