GAME NOTES: The UAB Blazers will try to extend their winning streak to three games to open the 2010-11 campaign as they pull into Tempe to take on the Arizona State Sun Devils.
UAB is coming off a tough victory over Middle Tennessee, as the Blazers topped the Blue Raiders in a 76-71 final on Wednesday night. The victory came after a 78-56 home-opening win over Southeast Missouri State.
Arizona State enters this battle after losing its only game of the season thus far, a 76-62 road defeat at the hands of New Mexico. After this bout, the Sun Devils will travel north to participate in the Great Alaska Shootout next week.
This contest marks the first-ever meeting between these two teams on the hardwood.
Senior guard Jamarr Sanders scored 19 points as his Blazers claimed a 76-71 win at Middle Tennessee earlier this week. Juniors forward Cameron Moore recorded a double-double in the win, adding 15 points while grabbing 10 rebounds. Sophomore guard Dexter Fields proved to be a serious outside threat for the Blazers, sinking a career-high five three-pointers to give him 15 points on the night, while senior guard Aaron Johnson was one point away from a double-double of his own, scoring nine points while dishing out a game-high 10 assists. The win improved UAB to 2-0. The Blazers have been getting used to jumping out to fast starts, going 2-0 to start a season for the third time in the last four campaigns. The Blazers were impressive at the defensive end against the Blue Raiders, holding them to 36.7 percent shooting from the field, including just 33.3 percent in the opening half.
Arizona State got a strong effort from sophomore guard Trent Lockett, who scored a career-high 22 points, as the Sun Devils ultimately wound up on the wrong side of a 76-62 affair versus New Mexico. ASU trailed 35-29 at the half after connecting on 40.7 percent of its attempts from the floor, including a lackluster 1-of-9 from beyond the arc. Senior guards Ty Abbott and Jamelle McMillan contributed eight points apiece in the loss. The Sun Devils will need to look to their playmakers to help run the offense in getting better looks from the floor as they only recorded 10 assists in the game. Another aspect that drastically needs to improve is free throw efficiency, as Arizona State converted just 56.5 percent of its tries at the charity stripe.
Expect the Sun Devils to improve upon their showing in the opener in front of the home crowd. However, UAB brings too much talent to the table and will leave Tempe with a close victory.
GAME NOTES: The UAB Blazers will try to extend their winning streak to three games to open the 2010-11 campaign as they pull into Tempe to take on the Arizona State Sun Devils.
FACTS & STATS: Site: Wells Fargo Arena (14,198) -- Tempe, Arizona. Television: None. Home Record: UAB 1-0, ASU 0-0. Away Record: UAB 1-0, ASU 0-1. Neutral Record: UAB 0-0, ASU 0-0. Conference Record: UAB 0-0, ASU 0-0. Series Record: First-ever Meeting.
Saturday, November 20th, 4:00 p.m. (et)
UAB 79, Arizona State 74