Blazers Host Jacksonville Friday in Season Opener

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The UAB men's basketball team opens the 2017-18 regular season Friday at 7 p.m. when the Blazers welcome Jacksonville to Bartow Arena.

Second-year head coach Robert Ehsan leads a veteran squad that was recently picked to finish second in Conference USA in a preseason poll voted on by the league coaches. The Blazers return two starters in forwards William Lee and Chris Cokley, both of which were selected to the All-Conference USA Preseason Team. Additionally, the Blazers return the services of all league guard Nick Norton after missing the entire 2016-17 season with a knee injury.

UAB enjoyed an 84-69 victory over Morehouse College earlier this month in an exhibition game at Bartow Arena. Newcomer Jalen Perry scored 19 points off the bench and finished 7-for-9 from the field to lead four Blazers in double figures. Sophomore Nate Darling added 17 points and four assists and Cokley chipped in with 16 points and 12 rebounds.

Led by fourth-year head coach Tony Jasick, Jacksonville turned in a 17-16 overall record and a 5-9 mark in the Atlantic Sun Conference last season. The Dolphins return just five players from last season and only one who scored in double figures. Senior guard Devin Harris ranked fourth on the team last season with 10.9 points per game and stood second with a .420 three-point field goal percentage.

UAB owns a 25-8 lead over Jacksonville in the all-time series that dates back to the 1978-79 season. The Blazers have won six straight and 12 of the last 14 meetings with the Dolphins, which includes a 70-65 victory in the last game between the two in 2011. UAB is also 13-3 against Jacksonville in Birmingham and has not lost at home to the Dolphins since 1987.

Season tickets for UAB's 18 home games are on sale for $250 to the general public and $225 to UAB employees and active members of the National Alumni Society. Blazer fans can also enjoy a limited number of season tickets in Blaze's Corner for $105 (available while supplies last).

Single game tickets and mini plans are also on sale now. Lower level tickets can be purchased for $20 and upper level seating will be on sale for $15. Special group pricing is also available for groups of 20 or more to enjoy a great game day experience at Bartow Arena.

For more information on UAB men's basketball, follow the Blazers on Twitter (@UAB_MBB), Instagram (@blazerhoops) and Snapchat (@UAB_MBB).

Blazers Host Jacksonville Friday in Season Opener

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Players Mentioned

Chris Cokley

Nate Darling

William Lee

Nick Norton

The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics