Big Second Half Leads UAB Past UNC Asheville

Friday, December 29

Birmingham, Ala.

7 p.m.

UAB

8-5,0-0AAC

UNC Asheville

8-7,0-0Big South

UNC Asheville

UAB

Photo by: Ken Shepherd

Big Second Half Leads UAB Past UNC Asheville

12/29/2023 11:59:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score Postgame Presser

BIRMINGHAM – UAB men's basketball (8-5) wrapped up non-conference play with a 90-85 win at home against UNC Asheville (8-7) on Friday night. Javian Davis and Yaxel Lendeborg each recorded double-doubles while the Blazers shot a season-best 34-for-36 from the free throw line after making their first 27 attempts.

Yaxel Lendeborg scored 20 of his career high 24 points in the second half while grabbing 15 rebounds. Eric Gaines added 20 points, seven assists and three steals on the night to lead the Blazers to the win.

UAB found itself down by 13 in the first half after Drew Pember's dunk put the score at 29-16 for the Bulldogs. The Blazers worked the lead down to five points with three minutes to go in the half but UNC Asheville closed the half on a 9-2 run to lead 44-32 at the break.

The Blazers opened the second half on a 15-0 run to take an immediate 47-44 lead at the 16-57 mark after an Eric Gaines three. The Blazers stepped it up on the defensive end holding the Bulldogs to a 34.5 field goal percentage in the final 20 minutes.

A 10-3 run at the 5:35 mark stretched the UAB lead to nine points after four-straight points from Yaxel Lendeborg. The Blazers closed the game out at the free throw line, shooting 7-for-8 from the free throw line in the final minute to take the 90-85 win.

NOTES

Yaxel Lendeborg scored a career high 24 points while grabbing 15 rebounds for his fourth double-double of the season.
Eric Gaines matched his season high with 20 points while also dishing out seven assists.
Gaines has averaged 8.5 assists over his last four games.
Javian Davis scored 16 points and grabbed 11 rebounds while shooting 10-for-10 from the free throw line. He has scored in double figures in four straight games for the first time in his career.
Daniel Ortiz added 10 points to reach double figures for the fourth straight game.
The Blazers 94.4 percent (34-for-36) mark at the free throw line was tied for fourth in program history for a single game. The 34 free throws made are the most by a UAB team since November 7, 2022 vs. Alabama State.

UP NEXT
The Blazers open American Conference Play on Tuesday night on the road at UTSA. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. CT on ESPNU.

TICKET INFORMATION
Single game tickets are on sale for as low as $12. Follow this link or call the UAB Athletics Ticket Office at (205) 975-UAB1 for more information.

GROUP AND PREMIUM TICKETS
Individual and corporate groups can plan an unforgettable experience during any of UAB's 18 home events this season by filling out the UAB Basketball Group Ticket Request Form. Fan experience packages and discounted group tickets are available for a minimum purchase of 15 tickets, and fan experiences at Bartow Arena are available at any home basketball game on a first come, first served basis throughout the season.

In addition, a limited number of premium seating options also remain at Bartow Arena and provides fans and corporations the ability to enjoy the exclusive amenities offered at Bartow Arena while experiencing the action from midcourt views. Call Blazer Boosters at (205) 996-9969 to learn more.

POWER UP
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