The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Saturday, February 5
Bartow Arena
3 p.m.
UAB
vs
MIDDLE TENNESSEE
UAB Hosts Middle Tennessee Saturday for the Bartow Classic
2/4/2022 2:00:00 PM | Men's Basketball
BIRMINGHAM – The UAB men's basketball team will return to Birmingham Saturday for the Bartow Classic against Middle Tennessee. Saturday's Bartow Classic will honor UAB Athletics founder and first head men's basketball coach, Gene Bartow.
Tipoff for Saturday's matchup in Bartow Arena is set for 3 p.m. and will be streamed live on ESPN+.
UAB (17-5, 7-2 C-USA) remains undefeated in Bartow Arena this season, holding a perfect 12-0 record with all 12 victories coming by double digits. The Blazers have won five straight over Middle Tennessee dating back to a nine-point win over the Blue Raiders on March 13, 2019.
UAB went 2-0 against Middle Tennessee this past season and holds a 15-9 record against the Blue Raiders in the all-time series history.
DONATE TO THE COACH GENE BARTOW FUND FOR CANCER RESEARCH
Established in 2009, the Coach Gene Bartow Fund for Cancer Research helps promote cancer research for the O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB. You can donate directly to the Coach Gene Bartow Fund for Cancer Research by clicking here.
Additionally, for each single-game ticket sold to Saturday's Bartow Classic, $2 will be donated to the Coach Gene Bartow Fund for Cancer Research.
UAB LATELY
UAB concluded its three-game road stretch with a 2-1 record, dropping its final matchup of January 84-81 at Marshall on Saturday. The Blazers had two shots in the game's closing seconds to tie the game in Huntington, but Jordan Walker and Tony Toney's attempts did not fall as the Thundering Herd held on for the win. Quan Jackson went an efficient 7-of-8 from the field with 17 points, five rebounds, three steals and two blocks in the setback, making it four straight games in double figures for the graduate guard. UAB struggled on the glass in the first half of Saturday's game and dropped to 3-5 this season when its opponent pulls down more rebounds. Walker also tied a season-high in assists with eight in Saturday's game. He also poured in 23 points to go along with five rebounds and two steals.
THE FOUNDING FATHER OF UAB ATHLETICS: GENE BARTOW
Gene Bartow not only was the first men's basketball coach in UAB history, but he also was a visionary in bringing UAB Athletics to "the big time." Bartow helped guide the Blazers through three conference changes, grow the football team from a club sport into an FBS (Division I) program and added several women's sports to the university's athletics department. As the Blazers' men's basketball coach, he held a 366-203 (.643) record and led the Blazers to 14 postseason appearances, including nine NCAA Tournament appearances. He led UAB to the NIT in the program's second year of existence and followed that with seven straight NCAA Tournament appearances, highlighted by trips to the Sweet 16 in 1981 and the Elite Eight in 1982. With coaching stints at Central Missouri State, Valparaiso, Memphis, Illinois and UCLA included, he finished with a 647-353 (.647) career coaching record.
MIDDLE TENNESSEE LATELY
After opening Conference USA play 0-2 with road losses at Rice and North Texas on Jan. 6 and Jan. 8, the Blue Raiders have been spotless since, reeling off five straight wins to vault into first place of Conference USA's East Division. Middle Tennessee, UAB's travel partner, went 2-0 in its road games at Marshall and WKU this past weekend. The Blue Raiders have found different ways to win during their five-game winning streak, posting wins with 70 points, 50 points, 74 points, 81 points and 93 points. Five Blue Raiders average more than eight points per game, highlighted by guards Josh Jefferson (13.6) and Donovan Sims (11.1). Both Jefferson and Sims have impressed from the free throw line this season, shooting 92.5% and 90%, respectively, from the charity stripe. The Blue Raiders rank 25th nationally and second in Conference USA behind the Blazers in turnovers forced per game (16.4). Middle Tennessee, however, has struggled to stay out of foul trouble this season, ranking last in Conference USA and 314th nationally with 18.9 fouls committed per game.
LAST 10 MATCHUPS IN THE SERIES
2/26/17_ Middle Tennessee______________ L, 64-66
12/30/17 Middle Tennessee______________ L, 60-63
2/24/18_ at Middle Tennessee____________ L, 54-79
1/30/19_ at Middle Tennessee____________ L, 65-71
2/2/19__ Middle Tennessee______________ L, 78-79
3/13/19_ vs. Middle Tennessee___________ W, 70-61
2/12/20_ Middle Tennessee_____________ W, 83-72
2/15/20_ at Middle Tennessee____________ W, 79-66
1/28/21_ at Middle Tennessee____________ W, 70-59
1/31/21_ Middle Tennessee_____________ W, 63-52
WHAT A RUN FOR JORDAN "JELLY" WALKER
After earning back-to-back Conference USA Player of the Week awards in January, Jordan "Jelly" Walker has continued to shine in league play in 2022. Walker has now scored 20 or more points in six straight games, pouring in 44 total points in UAB's two road contests this past week. The Port Washington, New York native has been lights out from behind the 3-point line and at the free throw line since the turn of the new year, knocking down 34 3-pointers and going 27-of-29 from the free throw line since UAB's game against UTSA. Walker and LA Tech's Kenny Lofton Jr. remain the only two players in the C-USA this season to be named the league's Player of the Week in back-to-back weeks.
STACKING UP NICELY IN THE LEAGUE
UAB ranked first among Conference USA programs in a number of different team statistical categories entering C-USA play on Dec. 30, including scoring offense (82.2 points per game), scoring margin (21.2), steals per game (12.4) and turnover margin (8.6). Entering Thursday's slate of league games, UAB ranks first in the league in field-goal percentage defense (40.2%), scoring margin (16.5), scoring offense (80.5), steals per game (10.7), total steals (235), turnover margin (6.7), turnovers forced per game (17.9) and fewest turnovers committed per game (11.2).
THE BARTOW COLLECTION
In honor of Coach Bartow, the Father of UAB Athletics, UAB is proud to release the revamped Coach Gene Bartow Collection. This is a unique opportunity for fans to buy apparel that includes vintage UAB logos and design inspirations. To purchase memorabilia from the Coach Gene Bartow Collection, click here.
A portion of the proceeds will go to the Coach Gene Bartow Fund for Cancer Research.
RADIO
Blazer men's basketball games are set to air on 100.5 ESPN JOX 2 with David Crane and Murry Bartow on the call.
In addition, Crane will host Blazer Sportsline every Tuesday beginning Dec. 28. The show takes place live from Iron City Grill in downtown Birmingham and features men's basketball head coach Andy Kennedy and women's basketball head coach Randy Norton.
The nine-episode show, airs from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Blazer Sportsline can be heard on 100.5 ESPN JOX 2 and fans will be encouraged to tweet questions to @UABLearfield.
Fans may also follow the Blazers this season by downloading the free TuneIn Radio app, online through Blazers All-Access at UABSports.com, or on the UAB Gameday mobile app.
WATCH
Saturday's game will stream live on ESPN+. This is a subscription-based service.
UP NEXT
The Blazers will conclude their two-game home stand on Thursday when UAB hosts Southern Miss in Bartow Arena. Tipoff for Thursday's matchup against the Golden Eagles is set for 6 p.m. on CBS Sports Network.
MEN'S BASKETBALL TICKET INFORMATION
UAB men's basketball single-game tickets start as low as $12 and can be purchased by clicking here or calling the UAB Athletics Ticket Office at (205) 975-UAB1.
Discounted group tickets and fan experiences are available for a minimum purchase of 15 tickets to any home basketball game during the 2021-22 season. Groups are encouraged to complete the UAB Basketball Group Ticket Request Form or call the UAB Athletics Ticket Office for more information.
Tipoff for Saturday's matchup in Bartow Arena is set for 3 p.m. and will be streamed live on ESPN+.
UAB (17-5, 7-2 C-USA) remains undefeated in Bartow Arena this season, holding a perfect 12-0 record with all 12 victories coming by double digits. The Blazers have won five straight over Middle Tennessee dating back to a nine-point win over the Blue Raiders on March 13, 2019.
UAB went 2-0 against Middle Tennessee this past season and holds a 15-9 record against the Blue Raiders in the all-time series history.
DONATE TO THE COACH GENE BARTOW FUND FOR CANCER RESEARCH
Established in 2009, the Coach Gene Bartow Fund for Cancer Research helps promote cancer research for the O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB. You can donate directly to the Coach Gene Bartow Fund for Cancer Research by clicking here.
Additionally, for each single-game ticket sold to Saturday's Bartow Classic, $2 will be donated to the Coach Gene Bartow Fund for Cancer Research.
UAB LATELY
UAB concluded its three-game road stretch with a 2-1 record, dropping its final matchup of January 84-81 at Marshall on Saturday. The Blazers had two shots in the game's closing seconds to tie the game in Huntington, but Jordan Walker and Tony Toney's attempts did not fall as the Thundering Herd held on for the win. Quan Jackson went an efficient 7-of-8 from the field with 17 points, five rebounds, three steals and two blocks in the setback, making it four straight games in double figures for the graduate guard. UAB struggled on the glass in the first half of Saturday's game and dropped to 3-5 this season when its opponent pulls down more rebounds. Walker also tied a season-high in assists with eight in Saturday's game. He also poured in 23 points to go along with five rebounds and two steals.
THE FOUNDING FATHER OF UAB ATHLETICS: GENE BARTOW
Gene Bartow not only was the first men's basketball coach in UAB history, but he also was a visionary in bringing UAB Athletics to "the big time." Bartow helped guide the Blazers through three conference changes, grow the football team from a club sport into an FBS (Division I) program and added several women's sports to the university's athletics department. As the Blazers' men's basketball coach, he held a 366-203 (.643) record and led the Blazers to 14 postseason appearances, including nine NCAA Tournament appearances. He led UAB to the NIT in the program's second year of existence and followed that with seven straight NCAA Tournament appearances, highlighted by trips to the Sweet 16 in 1981 and the Elite Eight in 1982. With coaching stints at Central Missouri State, Valparaiso, Memphis, Illinois and UCLA included, he finished with a 647-353 (.647) career coaching record.
MIDDLE TENNESSEE LATELY
After opening Conference USA play 0-2 with road losses at Rice and North Texas on Jan. 6 and Jan. 8, the Blue Raiders have been spotless since, reeling off five straight wins to vault into first place of Conference USA's East Division. Middle Tennessee, UAB's travel partner, went 2-0 in its road games at Marshall and WKU this past weekend. The Blue Raiders have found different ways to win during their five-game winning streak, posting wins with 70 points, 50 points, 74 points, 81 points and 93 points. Five Blue Raiders average more than eight points per game, highlighted by guards Josh Jefferson (13.6) and Donovan Sims (11.1). Both Jefferson and Sims have impressed from the free throw line this season, shooting 92.5% and 90%, respectively, from the charity stripe. The Blue Raiders rank 25th nationally and second in Conference USA behind the Blazers in turnovers forced per game (16.4). Middle Tennessee, however, has struggled to stay out of foul trouble this season, ranking last in Conference USA and 314th nationally with 18.9 fouls committed per game.
LAST 10 MATCHUPS IN THE SERIES
2/26/17_ Middle Tennessee______________ L, 64-66
12/30/17 Middle Tennessee______________ L, 60-63
2/24/18_ at Middle Tennessee____________ L, 54-79
1/30/19_ at Middle Tennessee____________ L, 65-71
2/2/19__ Middle Tennessee______________ L, 78-79
3/13/19_ vs. Middle Tennessee___________ W, 70-61
2/12/20_ Middle Tennessee_____________ W, 83-72
2/15/20_ at Middle Tennessee____________ W, 79-66
1/28/21_ at Middle Tennessee____________ W, 70-59
1/31/21_ Middle Tennessee_____________ W, 63-52
WHAT A RUN FOR JORDAN "JELLY" WALKER
After earning back-to-back Conference USA Player of the Week awards in January, Jordan "Jelly" Walker has continued to shine in league play in 2022. Walker has now scored 20 or more points in six straight games, pouring in 44 total points in UAB's two road contests this past week. The Port Washington, New York native has been lights out from behind the 3-point line and at the free throw line since the turn of the new year, knocking down 34 3-pointers and going 27-of-29 from the free throw line since UAB's game against UTSA. Walker and LA Tech's Kenny Lofton Jr. remain the only two players in the C-USA this season to be named the league's Player of the Week in back-to-back weeks.
STACKING UP NICELY IN THE LEAGUE
UAB ranked first among Conference USA programs in a number of different team statistical categories entering C-USA play on Dec. 30, including scoring offense (82.2 points per game), scoring margin (21.2), steals per game (12.4) and turnover margin (8.6). Entering Thursday's slate of league games, UAB ranks first in the league in field-goal percentage defense (40.2%), scoring margin (16.5), scoring offense (80.5), steals per game (10.7), total steals (235), turnover margin (6.7), turnovers forced per game (17.9) and fewest turnovers committed per game (11.2).
THE BARTOW COLLECTION
In honor of Coach Bartow, the Father of UAB Athletics, UAB is proud to release the revamped Coach Gene Bartow Collection. This is a unique opportunity for fans to buy apparel that includes vintage UAB logos and design inspirations. To purchase memorabilia from the Coach Gene Bartow Collection, click here.
A portion of the proceeds will go to the Coach Gene Bartow Fund for Cancer Research.
RADIO
Blazer men's basketball games are set to air on 100.5 ESPN JOX 2 with David Crane and Murry Bartow on the call.
In addition, Crane will host Blazer Sportsline every Tuesday beginning Dec. 28. The show takes place live from Iron City Grill in downtown Birmingham and features men's basketball head coach Andy Kennedy and women's basketball head coach Randy Norton.
The nine-episode show, airs from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Blazer Sportsline can be heard on 100.5 ESPN JOX 2 and fans will be encouraged to tweet questions to @UABLearfield.
Fans may also follow the Blazers this season by downloading the free TuneIn Radio app, online through Blazers All-Access at UABSports.com, or on the UAB Gameday mobile app.
WATCH
Saturday's game will stream live on ESPN+. This is a subscription-based service.
UP NEXT
The Blazers will conclude their two-game home stand on Thursday when UAB hosts Southern Miss in Bartow Arena. Tipoff for Thursday's matchup against the Golden Eagles is set for 6 p.m. on CBS Sports Network.
MEN'S BASKETBALL TICKET INFORMATION
UAB men's basketball single-game tickets start as low as $12 and can be purchased by clicking here or calling the UAB Athletics Ticket Office at (205) 975-UAB1.
Discounted group tickets and fan experiences are available for a minimum purchase of 15 tickets to any home basketball game during the 2021-22 season. Groups are encouraged to complete the UAB Basketball Group Ticket Request Form or call the UAB Athletics Ticket Office for more information.
Players Mentioned
Guard
/ Men's Basketball
Guard
/ Men's Basketball
Guard
/ Men's BasketballCoffee with Coach | 2025 Week 6
Tuesday, September 30
Coffee with Coach | 2025 Week 8
Monday, September 29
Coffee with Coach | 2025 Week 7
Monday, September 29
The Rewind: Week 1 - Alabama State
Monday, September 29
