The last time UAB beat Memphis on a basketball court, the teams were fellow members of Conference USA and Tiger football star DeAngelo Williams was awaiting the NFL draft. Eleven years later — after more than 8,000 rushing yards for Williams as a pro — the Blazers handled the Tigers Thursday night in what’s come to be called the Bartow Classic.
The Tigers fell behind early in Birmingham, 12-1, and didn’t convert their third field goal until more than 12 minutes had been played. Nate Darling hit three early three-pointers to give UAB a 22-6 lead midway through the first half and the Tigers were never able to reduce the margin below 10 points. The victory is UAB’s first over Memphis since March 2, 2006, and ends a 16-game winning streak for the Tigers.
Now 3-2, Memphis was led by junior point guard Jeremiah Martin with 18 points. Junior forward Kyvon Davenport was the only other Tiger in double figures with 14. The loss ended a three-game winning streak for the U of M.
Chris Cokley scored 18 points and Darling finished with 14 for UAB as the Blazers improved to 5-3 on the season.
Memphis returns to FedExForum Saturday to play Mercer. Tipoff is scheduled for 4 p.m., shortly after Memphis plays UCF in Orlando in the American Athletic Conference football championship.
