UAB’s men’s basketball team achieved a significant milestone by winning their ninth consecutive road game, defeating Memphis 78-67, marking their first win at Memphis since 1999. This victory places UAB fourth in the conference standings, showcasing their impressive performance throughout the season.
In stark contrast, North Texas faced a challenging loss, narrowly falling to Charlotte 80-79 on the road. This defeat has put the Mean Green in a precarious position, as they currently sit at the bottom of the standings and struggle to secure a spot in the upcoming American Championships.
The rivalry between UAB and North Texas has heated up, with UAB leading the series 12-9 and currently riding a three-game winning streak against the Mean Green. Their last encounter ended with UAB victorious 72-68 earlier this season in Texas.
UAB has established itself as a formidable team in the conference, leading in three significant categories: assists-to-turnover ratio, fastbreak points per game, and defensive rebounds per game. Ranking 19th in the nation for fastbreak points at 15.64, UAB’s rebounding prowess is equally impressive, placing 18th overall with an average of 40.68 rebounds per game. Furthermore, they stand out in offensive rebounds and defensive rebounds, ranking 23rd and 28th nationally, respectively.
A key contributor to UAB’s success is Evan Chatman, who is a standout in defensive rebounds, pulling down 6.25 per game, the best in the American Conference. Meanwhile, North Texas aims to capitalize on its strength in forcing turnovers, which could create challenges for UAB’s exceptional ball-handling, with only 9.0 turnovers per game, ranking eighth nationally.
As the teams prepare to face off again, UAB’s coach Andy Kennedy boasts a 9-5 record against North Texas, emphasizing his tactical expertise. Daniel Rivera has emerged as a critical player, recently achieving a double-double in two of the last three games, while Chance Westry has demonstrated scoring capability with over 20 points in nine games this season.
UAB will be looking to maintain momentum in their next game against North Texas on March 1, at Bartow Arena, where fans can enjoy unique promotions including the annual Corgi Races at halftime and a chance for autographs from the UAB beach volleyball team. With ongoing support for UAB Athletics, the community is encouraged to contribute to enhancing the experience for Blazer student-athletes as they continue their pursuit of success in the conference.