Hoops season starts strong Beat Miles in exhibition game, 97-49

tabdalla@uab.edu, Staff Writer
Published On: 11/10/2009

UAB opened the 2009-10 season with a strong statement as they routed Division II Miles College 97-49 in their only exhibition game of the season.

The Blazers entered the game with a new look as they returned only one starter, junior guard Aaron Johnson, from the lineup that began the 2008-09 season.

The Golden Bears of Miles College kept it competitive at 22-19 after ten minutes; however, the Blazers would run wild as they held Miles to three points in the next six minutes to blow the game open at 42-22. The Blazers would not let up after taking a 46-29 lead to the locker room.

UAB opened the second half with a 14-3 run helping the Blazers to outscore Miles 51-20 in the second half. The dominant performance gave way to give the rest of the team their opportunity to contribute.

All 12 players on the Blazers lineup saw playing time in the exhibition and 10 players saw their name on the score sheet.

Fans were entertained by a balanced scoring attack as junior transfer from Louisiana-Lafayette Elijah Millsap led the team with 25 points. Millsap would also lead the team with 14 rebounds and was one of five players to score in double-digits on the night.

Fans were not only introduced to the new lineup on the court, but the Blazers also kicked off a new season with a new look at Bartow Arena. The arena sports a new scoreboard above mid-court and new stat boards on opposite sides of the arena.

Fans will get their next opportunity to see the new Bartow Arena Saturday November 21, as the Blazers take on the Georgia Bulldogs out of the SEC. The Blazers officially open the season Nov. 13 when they take part in the Hispanic College Fund Tournament in Kent, Ohio.

As for Miles College, the loss was just a sign for things to come as the NCAA placed the college on four-year probation only days after the exhibition for multiple rule violations in 10 sports.
 

Email: tabdalla@uab.edu