UAB Welcomes Rivals Samford to Bartow Arena Thursday

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Following a perfect 2-0 road trip in North Carolina, the UAB women's basketball team returns to the friendly confines of Bartow Arena Thursday to host crosstown rival Samford in a 6 p.m. tilt.

The Blazers are 4-2 all-time against the Bulldogs and are looking to avenge last year's 52-49 loss at the Pete Hanna Center.

UAB (6-1), off to the program's best start since the 2012-2013 season, received contributions from a number of players in their road swing across the Tar Heel State. Five Blazers scored in double-figures in Friday's 70-59 win over Appalachian State, as sophomore Rachael Childress led the way with a game-high 13 points while Katelynn Thomas added 12 points on 6-for-8 shooting.

Childress is the Conference USA leader in three-point percentage (.510) and made three-point field goals per game (3.6).

Against High Point (77-61), Kara Rawls notched her second career double-double (15 points, 12 rebounds) while Imani Johnson poured in a career-best 15 points on a perfect 6-for-6 from the field.

The Blazers have been unselfish as a team through the first seven contests and lead Conference USA in assists per game (17.1) and assist-to-turnover ratio (1.3). Point guard Miyah Barnes has orchestrated the offense with high efficiency, as the sophomore ranks first in the conference with a 3.1 assist-to-turnover ratio and is second in the league with 5.5 assists per game.

Samford (3-5) is coming off an 80-59 loss against Iowa in their previous game. The Bulldogs have faced a challenging non-conference schedule, which has included contests against Colorado, Arkansas, Rhode Island and Florida State, among others. Senior Hannah Nichols paces the Bulldogs in points (16.0) and rebounds (6.3).

Bartow Arena has served as a friendly host in this series, as the Blazers are a perfect 4-0 on their home floor, including a 61-41 win in December 2015.

Fans will receive a gold wig and are encouraged to wear gold upon entry as the Blazers celebrate their annual Gold Rush game. Fans that present the UAB versus Samford promotional image sent out with a Cyber Monday e-mail blast – either printed or on their phone – will receive one free general admission ticket. Additionally, halftime will present the opportunity for one lucky fan with a chance to win $10,000.

For more information on the UAB women's basketball team follow the Blazers on Twitter (@UAB_WBB), Instagram (UAB_WBBALL) or like them on Facebook (Facebook.com/UABWBB).

UAB Welcomes Rivals Samford to Bartow Arena Thursday

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Players Mentioned

Miyah Barnes

Rachael Childress

Imani Johnson

Kara Rawls

Katelynn Thomas

The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics