UAB Blazers Outpaced by North Texas Mean Green at UNT Coliseum
In a competitive matchup, the University of Alabama at Birmingham Blazers fell to the North Texas Mean Green with a final score of 72-87. The Blazers now stand with an overall season record of 0-1, while the Mean Green boast a 1-0 record.
The game held at UNT Coliseum saw the Blazers start strong, leading the first quarter with 17 points against the Mean Green's 14. However, momentum shifted as North Texas surged ahead in the second quarter with an impressive 26 points to UAB's 13. The third quarter was closely contested, but once again, it was North Texas who edged out with a seven-point lead.
Despite their efforts and a fourth-quarter rally where they scored their highest in any quarter at 24 points, it wasn't enough for UAB to close down the gap created by North Texas's consistent scoring across all quarters.
The Blazers showcased tenacity on defense with an equal number of blocks as their opponents (4) and more steals (13 compared to nine). They also demonstrated aggressive rebounding tactics securing a total of 42 rebounds; however, this did not translate into control over turnovers which stood high at eighteen for both teams.
Offensively, UAB struggled from beyond the arc hitting only eight out of twenty-nine three-point attempts resulting in a three-point shooting percentage rounded off to roughly twenty-eight percent. Their field goal percentage stood at thirty-nine percent making twenty-six out of sixty-seven attempts. In contrast, free throw accuracy was notably better where they made twelve out of sixteen attempts translating into seventy-five percent success rate.
A significant contribution came from inside scoring where thirty points were earned in paint by penetrating defenses or capitalizing on fast breaks which accounted for six additional points. Furthermore, twelve second-chance points were added thanks to offensive rebounds demonstrating hustle and determination from players despite trailing behind throughout most parts of the game.
On offense for North Texas Mean Green showed remarkable efficiency especially within two-point range hitting sixty percent from those positions contributing significantly towards their higher overall field goal percentage which stood impressively at fifty-six percent. Their ability to capitalize on turnovers was evident as they scored twenty-eight points off turnovers compared to fourteen by UAB.
Looking ahead for fans eager to support their team; University Alabama Birmingham Blazers will be hosting Florida Atlantic Owls on January thirty-first scheduled for seven o'clock PM Eastern Time Zone at Bartow Arena located in Birmingham AL zip code three five two three three USA. This upcoming game can be watched live providing another opportunity for fans to cheer on their team.