Late Rally Falls Short Against Memphis, 64-62

Saturday, December 9

Memphis, Tenn.

3:00 P.M.

UAB

7-2

Memphis

2-8

UAB

Memphis

Late Rally Falls Short Against Memphis, 64-62

12/9/2017 6:36:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score Box Score (PDF) Season Stats

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The UAB women's basketball team mounted a 13-5 run over the final 2:14 of the game in a furious comeback effort but could not overcome a double-digit fourth quarter deficit as the Blazers fell to Memphis, 64-62, at the Elma Roane Fieldhouse on Saturday.

UAB (7-2) was led by Deanna Kuzmanic as she poured in 16 points on 6-for-12 shooting and matched a team high with four assists. Kuzmanic has now scored 15 or more points in three games this season.

"I didn't feel like we played our best basketball today," head coach Randy Norton said. "They capitalized on our turnovers and had a lot of second chance opportunities. I'm confident our team will learn from this game and it will make us even better moving forward."

Rachael Childress was the only other Blazer to finish in double figures, adding 14 points and bringing down five rebounds in the game, while Memphis native Miyah Barnes posted nine points, four rebounds and four assists. Kara Rawls led the way on the glass for the Blazers with seven rebounds.

Off the bench, Katelynn Thomas recorded a complete game with eight points and six rebounds, while Imani Johnson tacked on four points and hauled down six rebounds.

Memphis (2-8) was led by Cheyenne Creighton, who posted her second-straight double-double with 17 points and 14 rebounds. Taylor Barnes also added 17 points for the Tigers.

The first 10 minutes of play provided plenty of action as the two teams battled in a tight contest with the largest lead of the period being a 10-6 advantage at the 5:55 for the Blazers following a made jumper by Childress.

Kuzmanic provided the highlight moment of the opening period with three seconds left on the clock as she drained a 3-pointer to give UAB a 16-15 edge after 10 minutes.

A 10-0 Memphis run to open the second quarter opened a 25-19 lead for the Tigers at the 4:15 mark, but a 7-2 over the final four minutes courtesy of two layups and a Whytney Singleton 3-pointer saw the Blazers down just 27-26 heading into the locker room.

The game looked as it was going to be an offensive shootout until a 14-2 run by Memphis in the middle of the third period put the Tigers ahead 43-33. However, the Blazers once again responded well and were able to cut the lead to 46-41 as Childress hit a 3-pointer with 10 seconds remaining in the third stanza to cut the lead to two possessions.

Despite multiple attempts to get back in the game by the UAB attack, Memphis was right there to respond and opened a seemingly insurmountable 59-49 lead with 2:14 to play.

The Green and Gold had some good looks in the final 120 seconds and were able to cut the lead to just two possessions multiple times but could not overcome the late double-digit deficit as Memphis held on to win its second game of the season, 64-62.

After playing four of their last five games away from home, the Blazers will close out non-conference play by facing four in-state foes beginning with Alabama A&M on Dec. 17 in Bartow Arena. Tipoff against the Bulldogs is set for 2 p.m.

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).