The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
TCU
UAB Pulls Out Close Win Over TCU, 88-85
2/18/2003 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Feb 18, 2003
FORT WORTH, Texas - Tony Johnson hit a jumper with 21.6 seconds left in overtime and UAB added an insurance free throw to defeat TCU, 88-85, here Tuesday night. In the process, the Blazers' captured a 23-year-old school record for steals in a season. UAB collected 14 steals against TCU and currently has 271 steals this season, eclipsing the previous record of 260 set in 32 games by the 1980 team.
"This was a great win," UAB head coach Mike Anderson said. "Our guys stayed in the game and kept their poise. There were a lot of strange things that took place in this game, but we hung in there. I am dedicating this win to our bench."
The Blazers' bench outscored the Horned Frogs 31-20, and played a key role in the overtime with four UAB players fouled out - three of which were starters. UAB committed 34 fouls to TCU's 19, and attempted 25 less free throws than TCU (26 attempts to 51 attempts).
Eric Bush and Morris Finley each scored 19 points to lead UAB (14-8, 6-5 Conference USA) as the Blazers moved into second place in the National Division standings. Bush also added seven assists, seven steals and six rebounds on the night.
Sidney Ball had a career-best 13 points to go along with a team-high eight rebounds, while Richard Jones added 11.
UAB went on a 14-0 scoring run in the first half to take a 27-18 lead. UAB led by as much as 13 points in the first half, before taking a 39-30 advantage into the lockerroom. However, TCU would answer in the beginning of the second half with a 14-0 run of its own to tie the game at 44-44.
Jeffrey Collins hit a 3-pointer with 15.7 seconds left in regulation to tie the game at 76-76 and force overtime.
Bush scored seven points in the overtime, including a three-pointer with 1:19 remaining to give the Blazers a 85-83 lead. TCU would hit two free throws to tie the score again, setting up Johnson's dramatics.
It was the second time this season the two teams went into overtime with UAB coming out on top. On Jan. 29, the Blazers defeated the Horned Frogs, 84-82, in Bartow Arena. The Blazers are now 2-1 in overtime games this season.
The Blazers return to Bartow Arena for a two-game homestand beginning Saturday, Feb. 22, at 7 p.m. against National Division rival Houston.
