Birmingham's UAB Blazers Storm to C-USA Semifinals

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- The UAB Blazers men's basketball team defeated Middle Tennessee in the Conference USA tournament quarterfinals Thursday night at Legacy Arena, securing their spot in the semifinals. The win echoes the Blazers' storied history against the Blue Raiders, including a triple-overtime thriller in 2022 where UAB prevailed 102-98 to reach the title game. That classic performance featured standout efforts from players like Jordan Walker, the tournament MVP with 27 points in the championship clincher against Louisiana Tech.

UAB, now competing in the American Athletic Conference after leaving C-USA in July 2023, drew on local pride with Birmingham hoops fans filling the arena. Key contributors in recent matchups include Dayjaun Anderson, who scored 12 points on four 3-pointers in a December road loss to Middle Tennessee, and Evan Chatman and Ahmad Robinson with 11 points each. The Blazers' legacy includes seven conference tournament titles, the latest in 2023 with an 85-69 victory over Temple, followed by a 23-12 season and a first-round NCAA berth.

This semifinal push in Birmingham highlights UAB's resurgence under coach Robert Brown, who has guided the team to consistent wins, including a 78-67 C-USA opener over Middle Tennessee. With the tournament hosted in their home city, the Blazers aim to replicate past glories like the 1982 Sun Belt championship, where they beat VCU and advanced to the NCAA Sweet 16 with a 25-6 record. Next up, UAB faces a tough opponent with a championship berth -- and potential NCAA implications -- at stake.