The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
Siena
Blazers Stop Siena In NIT Second Round, 80-71
3/25/2003 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
March 25, 2003
ALBANY, N.Y. - Demario Eddins had 19 points and eight rebounds to lead UAB past Siena 80-71 in the second round of the National Invitation Tournament.
Along with Eddins, four other Blazers scored in double figures. Gabe Kenendy collected his third double-double of the season scoring 14 points and grabbing a career-tying 12 boards on the night. Sidney Ball also scored a career-high 14 points, while Morris Finley added 13.
Senior guard Eric Bush had 15 points and two steals for UAB, establishing a new Conference USA single-season record with 101 steals.
"Our guys played their hearts out tonight," UAB head coach Mike Anderson said. "My hats go off to Siena because they played a great game. I think our guys are starting to buy into what we have been teaching them all year. Our starters played some big minutes and, even though our bench may have not produced like they have in other games, they were able to come in and give our team a big lift with solid play."
UAB took a 41-40 lead into the half and opened the second half with a 12-4 run to take a nine point lead, 53-44, with 15:09 left. However, Siena scored 11 of the next 12 points to take a 55-54 lead. The Blazers regained the advantage when Bush scored two quick buckets, and UAB never trailed again.
The teams were tied four more times before UAB went on a 16-7 spurt in the final 5:58, sparked by 3-pointers from Finley and Ball.
Finley collected a career-tying eight assists, to go along with six rebounds and zero turnovers. The Blazers also outrebounded the Saints (44-42), despite Siena entering the game with a +6.2 rebounding advantage over its opponents.
The Blazers will next play St. John's for the right to go to Madison Square Garden and compete in the NIT Final Four. The game will be held on the campus of St. Johns on Thursday, March 27, at 6:30 p.m. CST.
