UAB Blazers Triumph Over Bulls in Thrilling Bartow Classic Showdown

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — The UAB Blazers rebounded from a previous loss, clinching an 85-78 victory against the South Florida Bulls during the annual Bartow Classic on Sunday afternoon. This triumph boosts UAB’s record to 16-9 overall and 8-3 in the American Athletic Conference.

Senior forward Yaxel Lendeborg delivered a standout performance, notching 21 points, 19 rebounds, three assists, and an impressive six blocks. With this performance, Lendeborg recorded his 17th double-double of the season and his 34th since joining the Blazers, surpassing Carlos Williams to become the all-time double-double leader in UAB history.

Despite South Florida’s Jamille Reynolds also having a strong game, scoring 27 points and grabbing 14 rebounds, the contest turned in favor of UAB through their powerful frontcourt play. UAB out-rebounded the Bulls 46-33, converting that advantage into 17 second-chance points compared to South Florida’s six. The Blazers also dominated in blocked shots, edging the Bulls 11-2.

UAB’s backcourt contributed equally to the victory, with Ja’Borri McGhee scoring 20 points on 7-of-9 shooting, while Alejandro Vasquez added 15 points and secured nine rebounds. The Blazers showcased effective shooting, achieving 41 percent from three-point range by sinking seven of their 17 attempts.

The Bulls kept the game competitive, thanks in part to their guard pairing of Kobe Knox and Jayden Reid, who combined for 26 points and seven assists, shooting 8-of-17 from behind the arc. Their efforts helped South Florida shoot 43.8 percent from three-point territory.

UAB will aim to build on this momentum in their next game against Rice, scheduled for Wednesday at 7 p.m. The matchup will be televised on ESPN+.