UAB Men’s Basketball Falls to No. 18 Memphis in Thrilling Showdown
A Heart-Pounding First Half
The UAB men’s basketball team (19-10, 12-4 AAC) put on a spectacular performance in the first half against No. 18 Memphis (24-5, 14-2 AAC) on Sunday afternoon. The Blazers, led by Ja’borri McGhee’s 22 points and five assists, took an early lead with a series of impressive plays. Yaxel Lendebork gave UAB its first lead of the game with a dunk and free throw, putting the Blazers ahead 8-6. The team then went on an 8-0 run to take a 20-10 lead, capped by Alejandro Vasquez’s layup.
The Blazers continued their momentum, taking their largest lead of the night at 30-19 with 5:32 remaining in the first half. Christian Coleman’s putback was a key play, but Memphis fought back, scoring the next eight points to cut the margin to a single possession by the 3:51 mark. McGhee capped a strong finish to the half with a three-point play, giving UAB a 42-36 lead at the break.
A Dramatic Second Half
Memphis came out of the locker room on fire, taking the lead within the first three minutes. McGhee then sparked the Blazers’ offense in the second half, scoring eight of the Blazers’ nine points during a 9-2 run that put UAB ahead 65-56 with 11:59 to go. However, the Tigers battled back, with PJ Haggerty heating up on the offensive end. He went on a solo 7-0 run to put the Tigers up by four points with six minutes remaining.
UAB struggled from the free-throw line, going just 1-for-4 on the next two possessions, allowing Memphis to score back-to-back buckets and push their lead to seven at the 2:09 mark. The Tigers closed out the game in the final minutes, earning an 88-81 win in Birmingham.
Key Players and Milestones
Ja’borri McGhee was the standout performer for UAB, scoring a team-high 22 points and adding five assists while shooting 7-for-10 from the field and 4-for-4 from three. Christian Coleman finished with 14 points and nine rebounds, and Bradley Ezewiro contributed 12 points. Alejandro Vasquez surpassed 1,000 points in his collegiate career, a significant milestone for the team.
Rebounds and Future Challenges
UAB has been outrebounded by a double-digit margin in two consecutive games, the first time since the final two games of the 2015-16 season. This trend will be a critical area for improvement as the Blazers prepare for their next challenge.
Up Next: Senior Night
The Blazers will host Florida Atlantic on Thursday at 6 p.m. CT at Bartow Arena for Senior Night. This event promises to be a memorable one, with special fan experiences and group packages available. Individual and corporate groups can plan an unforgettable experience 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.
Blazer Boosters and Community Support
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, visit blazerboosters.com or call (205) 996-9969.
Follow the Blazers
For more information on the UAB men’s basketball team, follow @UAB_MBB on Twitter and Instagram.
Key Statistics and Milestones
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Field Goals | Three-Pointers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ja’borri McGhee | 22 | 3 | 5 | 7/10 | 4/4 |
| Christian Coleman | 14 | 9 | 0 | 6/10 | 0/2 |
| Bradley Ezewiro | 12 | 3 | 1 | 5/7 | 0/0 |
| Alejandro Vasquez | 10 | 2 | 2 | 4/7 | 1/2 |
FAQ
What was the final score of the UAB vs. Memphis game?
The final score was 88-81 in favor of Memphis.
Who was the leading scorer for UAB?
Ja’borri McGhee was the leading scorer for UAB with 22 points.
When is the next UAB home game?
The next UAB home game is on Thursday against Florida Atlantic at 6 p.m. CT at Bartow Arena for Senior Night.
How can I get group tickets for UAB basketball games?
You can get group tickets 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.
How can I support UAB Athletics?
You can support UAB Athletics by visiting blazerboosters.com or calling (205) 996-9969.