Vasquez Leads Blazers Past Wichita State

Thursday, February 27

Wichita, Kan.

8 p.m.

UAB

19-9,12-3AAC

Wichita State

17-11,7-8AAC

UAB

Wichita St.

Photo by: Mario Terrana

Vasquez Leads Blazers Past Wichita State

2/27/2025 10:59:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score

WICHITA, Kan. – Alejandro Vasquez matched his career high of 29 points as UAB men's basketball (19-9, 12-3 AAC) snapped Wichita State's (17-11, 7-8 AAC) six-game winning streak with an 80-72 victory on the road.

The Shockers jumped out to an early lead after scoring the first five points of the game, but the Blazers were able to hang with Wichita State.

With 10:39 remaining in the first half, Alejandro Vasquez hit a jumper to tie the game at 18 for the first time as the Blazers began to work their way back. Tony Toney gave UAB its first lead of the night after Yaxel Lendeborg found him in the corner for three to make it 24-21 and the Blazers did not trail for the rest of the night.

Alejandro Vasquez scored the final bucket of the first half to put the Blazers ahead 39-34 at the break.

Vasquez started the second half strong for UAB with a midrange jumper, but the Shockers were able to cut the margin to 44-41 with just under 18 minutes remaining.

Wichita State got within two points as Ronnie DeGray III scored to make it 45-43, but an 12-1 UAB run gave the Blazers a double-digit lead for the first time on the night. The run was capped by an impressive dunk by Ja'Borri McGhee over a Wichita State defender to make it 57-44.

The Blazers led by 14 with 4:56 remaining as Bradley Ezewiro slammed it home to make it 69-55 off a dish from Lendeborg. UAB was able to handle the Wichita State pressure down the stretch to hang on for an 80-72 win.

NOTES

Alejandro Vasquez tied his career high of 29 points while shooting 11-for-22 from the field. He scored 18 of his 29 points in the second half.
Christian Coleman scored 14 points while shooting 6-for-7 from the free throw line. He also had two steals while leading the Blazers' pressure up top.
Bradley Ezewiro added 11 points on 5-for-7 shooting.
Yaxel Lendeborg had 11 points, eight rebounds, six assists, three steals and two blocks.
The Blazers picked up a win in Wichita for the first time in program history.
UAB has won two-straight in the series after losing the first five matchups.
The Blazers have now won 120 games over the last five seasons, matching the best five-year stretch in program history.
With the win, UAB clinches a double-bye in the American Conference Tournament for the second-straight season.

UP NEXT
The Blazers will host No. 18 Memphis on Sunday at Bartow Arena. Tipoff is set for 3 p.m. CT.

GROUP RATES AND FAN EXPERIENCE PACKAGES NOW AVAILABLE
Individual and corporate groups can plan an unforgettable experience during any of UAB's home events at Bartow Arena 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.

Group ticket packages provide your family, friends, or company the opportunity to save money on the single game ticket price while providing access to memorable fan experiences at Bartow Arena. Discounted group rates are available for both men's and women's basketball games and pricing is based on the size of the pre-purchased group. This season, UAB Athletics is offering unique fan experiences for groups including a spirit tunnel, sideline warm-up watch, group photo at center court, post-game free throws, and videoboard recognition, among others. Click here for a complete listing of the group rates, group benefits, and fan experience packages offered.

BLAZER BOOSTERS
As we launch into the 2025 giving year, we encourage you to further your support across UAB Athletics and help the Blazers reach new heights in the American Athletic Conference. For more information on ways to show your generosity to Blazer student athletes through the Blazer Scholarship Fund, capital initiatives, and sport specific giving go to blazerboosters.com or call us at (205) 996-9969.

FOLLOW THE BLAZERS
For more information on the UAB men's basketball team, follow @UAB_MBB on Twitter and Instagram.