Dueling Stars Set to Shine in Memphis-UAB Showdown

FORT WORTH, Texas — The 17th-ranked Memphis Tigers (28-5) will face off against the UAB Blazers (22-11) on Sunday at 2:15 p.m. CT at Dickies Arena, where an automatic NCAA tournament bid will be on the line. Although Memphis is secured a spot in the tournament regardless of the outcome, UAB must win to continue their postseason hopes.

UAB’s head coach Andy Kennedy emphasized the importance of a strong performance against Memphis in a press conference following their 66-56 victory over North Texas on Saturday. “We’ve got to come out and play with a real sense of desperation,” Kennedy stated.

Sunday’s matchup again highlights the clash between Memphis’s Dain Dainja, who earned a unanimous first-team All-AAC selection and was named the league’s Newcomer of the Year, and UAB’s Yaxel Lendeborg, who also secured a spot on the first team. Tensions have brewed since the teams last met, resulting in a 100-77 Memphis win on January 26. Dainja expressed unfamiliarity with Lendeborg prior to their recent rematch, provoking a fiery exchange between the two on social media.

In response to Dainja’s comments, Lendeborg took to X (formerly Twitter) saying, “Congrats on the best game of your career bro! I’ll see you.” Dainja’s retort was a simple, “lol … BET.”

The March 2 rematch featured another solid performance from Dainja, who recorded 16 points and 17 rebounds, while Lendeborg managed only 10 points and six rebounds. Lendeborg addressed the situation following the game, acknowledging that he allowed the off-court drama to distract him. “I should’ve never let that get to me,” he admitted. “I feel like I hold myself to a higher standard than some Twitter beef. That’s completely on me. I let it ruin my mental space last game.”

Lendeborg expressed his eagerness for what was, until Saturday, only a prospective third game against Memphis. “I feel like both games I was a letdown completely. This year, I guess a ‘rivalry’ started that shouldn’t have started,” he said. The UAB star is determined to keep focused during the coming contest. “Tomorrow, I’m going to go in there clear-minded and in a clear space and remember who I am.”

Kennedy praised Memphis, labeling them as the top team in the AAC. He noted the significant talents of both Dainja and All-American guard PJ Haggerty, stressing the need for his team to minimize their impact. “Not giving them open space to play, especially Haggerty — he’s incredible with his ability to drive. He’s fast. And, then, we’ve got to try to keep Dainja’s touches to a minimum,” Kennedy remarked.

The stage is now set for a high-stakes clash that could redefine the landscape of the postseason for both teams.