The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
Lindenwood
Blazers Cruise Past Lindenwood in Exhibition Game
11/3/2016 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Nov. 3, 2016
Box Score (PDF) | Postgame Quotes
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Dirk Williams scored 22 points and grabbed four rebounds to lead UAB to a 92-69 victory over Lindenwood Thursday evening in an exhibition game from Bartow Arena.
Williams finished 10-for-11 to help UAB shoot 55.7 percent from the field and 40.0 percent from three-point range.
"Dirk played really well tonight," UAB head coach Robert Ehsan said. "I expect that type of performance from him because he's an offensive threat than can score in many ways."
Hakeem Baxter added 16 points and made three 3-pointers, while both Chris Cokley and William Lee chipped in with 11 apiece.
Deion Lavender made his UAB debut and tallied seven points, seven rebounds and five assists.
"It felt good good to get back out there with these guys," Lavender said. "We played well in spurts, but we have to continue to work on playing more consistent for 40 minutes."
Chandler Diekvoss led Lindenwood with 13 points to go along with seven rebounds.
UAB sprinted to an 18-5 lead just over six minutes into the first half on field goals from seven different players. The Blazers would go on to lead by as many as 21 points and used a layup from Lavender just before halftime to hold a 53-32 advantage at intermission.
"It was good to get out there and have a chance to play in front of our fans and in Bartow Arena," Ehsan added. "We got to play a lot of guys and see a lot of different combinations. I think it was a good stepping stone, and we need it going forward."
The Blazers built their largest lead of the game midway through the second half when a pair of free throws from Cokley put UAB ahead 82-48.
UAB plays its first game of the regular season Friday, November 11 when the Blazers host Arkansas-Pine Bluff from Bartow Arena.
For more information on UAB men's basketball, follow the Blazers on Twitter (@UAB_MBB), Instagram (@blazerhoops) and Snapchat (@UAB_MBB).
