Christian Coleman scored a career high 21 points to lead UAB (1-1) past Southern Miss (1-1) by a score of 98-84 on Thursday night. UAB opened the game on a 24-0 run and led by as many as 30 in the first half.
The Blazers forced 15 turnovers in the first half, resulting in 28 points off turnovers and 24 fast break points. Of UAB's 24 unanswered points to start the game, 22 were off turnovers.
Tony Toney and Christian Coleman got the Blazers started, going a combined 10-for-12 from the field with multiple highlight dunks.
After failing to hit a three-point field goal in its season opener, UAB hit five in the first half including four by Tyren Moore. Moore hit three straight threes to extend the Blazers' lead to 30 at 42-12.
A late Southern Miss run cut the UAB lead to just 56-40 at the break.
In the second half, Southern Miss was able to cut into the lead as Neftali Alvarez scored 18 of his 21 points, but the Blazers were able to hold off the Golden Eagles.
Yaxel Lendeborg and Christian Coleman combined for 42 points, 14 rebounds, 11 assists, six steals and two blocks on the night to help the Blazers close out the 98-84 win.
NOTES
- Christian Coleman scored a career high 21 points, grabbed nine rebounds, dished out a career best five assists, had two steals and blocked two shots.
- Tyren Moore hit four threes and scored 18 points in just 20 minutes of action.
- Yaxel Lendeborg had 21 points, five rebounds, a career high six assists and a career best four steals.
- Ja'Borri McGhee added 10 points and four assists for his first game in double figures as a Blazer.
- Tony Toney added 10 points for his eighth game in double figures as a Blazer.
- UAB's 23 assists are its most since November 26, 2022 vs. Rhodes.
UP NEXT
The Blazers host Southeastern Louisiana on Sunday, November 10 at 2 p.m. CT.
