UAB's Jacob Meyer stole the show at Minges Coliseum, scoring 29 points to lead the Blazers to a hard-fought 87-85 win over East Carolina. The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams giving it their all in a contest that went down to the wire. East Carolina's Jordan Riley was equally impressive, notching 30 points and 10 rebounds in a losing effort.
The first half saw UAB take a slim 39-37 lead into the break, with Meyer and Riley already making their presence felt. The Blazers' guard had 15 points at halftime, while Riley was close behind with 14. The second half was just as intense, with both teams trading baskets and neither able to gain a significant advantage. East Carolina's Giovanni Emejuru and Reid Cason chipped in with 12 points and 10 rebounds each, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Blazers' balanced attack.
UAB's KyeRon Lindsay-Martin added 20 points and 7 rebounds, while Evan Chatman contributed 12 points and 8 rebounds to help seal the win. The Blazers' ability to spread the scoring around ultimately was the difference, as they were able to withstand East Carolina's late surge. The Pirates had a chance to tie or take the lead in the final minutes, but UAB's defense held firm, forcing a few crucial turnovers to secure the victory.
The game's narrow margin was a reflection of the competitive spirit of both teams. East Carolina, despite their 6-14 record, refused to back down against a more highly-regarded opponent. UAB, meanwhile, showed the resilience and determination that has become a hallmark of their program. With this win, the Blazers improve to 12-8 on the season, while East Carolina falls to 6-14.
In terms of tournament implications, this result is unlikely to have a significant impact on UAB's chances, as it was considered a Quadrant 4 game for the Blazers. However, the win does help to bolster their resume, which currently features a NET ranking of 119. For East Carolina, the loss is a missed opportunity to pick up a Quadrant 3 win, which could have provided a much-needed boost to their tournament hopes. As it stands, the Pirates' NET ranking of 287 leaves them with a steep hill to climb if they hope to make a postseason push. With this result, UAB's tournament chances remain intact, while East Carolina's slim hopes take a hit.