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As the excitement builds in the world of college basketball, the UAB Blazers have made headlines following their stunning performance in the AAC Tournament. Led by the outstanding Yaxel Lendeborg, the Blazers have brought new energy to their campaign, and fans are buzzing with anticipation as they eye a potential NCAA Tournament berth.
In a thrilling quarterfinal match against East Carolina, UAB showcased its depth and prowess on the court. Lendeborg, a standout forward, delivered a performance for the ages, registering a remarkable 30 points, 20 rebounds, 8 assists, 5 steals, and 4 blocks—all in one game! This not only marked the first time in UAB history a player achieved a 30-point, 20-rebound game, but it was also unprecedented in the history of the AAC Tournament. With his commanding presence, Lendeborg was instrumental in guiding the Blazers to a 94-77 victory, advancing them to the semifinals.
UAB's offensive strategy was on full display, as all five starters hit double figures, contributing to an impressive total of 46 points in the paint. Senior Tony Toney also shone brightly, recording his first career double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. The Blazers' rebounding dominance, particularly on the offensive glass, was pivotal, as they secured 13 offensive rebounds compared to East Carolina's 7, ultimately leading to a critical advantage.
Despite RJ Felton of East Carolina leading all scorers with 31 points, it wasn't enough to outmatch the cohesive effort from UAB. The Pirates struggled to keep pace, with the rest of their starting lineup managing just 32 points. The Blazers displayed tenacity on both ends of the court, pushing past the disappointing finish to their regular season with confidence.
Looking ahead, UAB will face the No. 2 seed North Texas in the semifinals. The teams are familiar with each other, having split their regular-season series. UAB's recent victory over North Texas, marked by a nail-biting 64-61 finish, boosts their confidence as they prepare for this critical showdown.
The semi-final matchup is set for tomorrow at 4 p.m. central time, promising an exhilarating atmosphere as it will be broadcast live on ESPN and ESPN+. With such high stakes and talented players on both sides, it’s an event that fans won’t want to miss.
In conclusion, UAB basketball is on a remarkable journey, and with Lendeborg leading the charge, the Blazers are inching closer to their goal of NCAA Tournament participation. The blend of talent, strategy, and resilience has set the stage for possibly more historic moments in the days ahead. Stay tuned as we follow UAB’s pursuit of glory!
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