BIRMINGHAM – UAB men’s basketball will host Arkansas State in a big non-conference test on Sunday afternoon. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. CT at Bartow Arena.

As the first of the Blazers’ three holiday hoops games, the first 700 fans will receive UAB Christmas decorations. Blaze Claus will be available for photos in the hall from 4 p.m., when doors open, until tipoff.

REGARD
Sunday’s contest will be broadcast live on ESPN+ with guests Curt Bloom and Mo Finley.



HEAR
David Crane and Steve Mitchell will call the game for UAB on 100.5 ESPN.



HISTORY OF THE SERIES
The all-time series between UAB and Arkansas State is tied 1-1. The Red Wolves won last year’s meeting in Jonesboro 87-68.



LAST TIME
The Blazers earned a 95-66 win over Prairie View A&M last Friday before taking a week off for the Finals. UAB shot 55.7 percent from the field and made a season-high 10 three-pointers. Tony Toney led the team with 15 points, his most against a DI school Yaxel Lendeborg had a double-double and Tyren Moore 14 points added.



YAX IS BACK

Yaxel Lendeborg had a dominant debut season at UAB. The forward led the Blazers with 13.8 points, 10.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 2.1 blocks per game and was named the American Conference Defensive Player of the Year. Lendeborg set UAB and American Conference records with 370 rebounds in a single season and also recorded a program-record 19 double-doubles. He finished the season with five games of 20-plus points and 15-plus rebounds, ranking second nationally behind National Player of the Year Zach Edey. His 72 blocks are the seventh most in a single season in UAB history. Lendeborg is one of just seven players in the country returning after averaging a double-double in the 2023-24 season.



JUCO DAWGS
UAB has joined the JUCO ranks over time Andy KennedyHis time in Birmingham and the 2024-25 roster features seven players who played at a junior college, including Christian Coleman (South Plains), Greg Gordon (Dyersburg State), Marquis Hargrove (Arizona Western), Ja’Borri McGhee (Garden City/South Plains), Yaxel Lendeborg (Arizona Western) and Alejandro Vasquez (Salt lake). JUCO players accounted for 41.7% of the Blazers’ goals and 48.4% of their rebounds last season. So far this season, JUCO players have accounted for 70.5% of the Blazers’ scoring and 63.5% of their rebounds.



Smash the boards
Last year, UAB ranked 61st nationally in rebounds per game, scoring 38.0 per contest. The Blazers excelled on offense, allowing 12.9 offensive possessions per game, which ranks 27th nationally. This season, UAB is once again among the best rebounding teams in the country, ranking 31st in the country with 41.1 rebounds per contest. UAB is particularly strong on offense with 15.1 offensive boards per game, which ranks 10th nationally. Yaxel Lendeborg led the team in rebounding last season with 10.6 per game. He has 15 or more rebounds in 12 games as a Blazer, including a 21-rebound game against Florida Atlantic that ranks second in program history.

BUY YOUR 2024-25 SEASON TICKETS
Season tickets for the 2024-25 UAB men’s basketball season are still available starting at $110. Season packages include all home games during UAB’s second season in the American Athletic Conference and provide the most cost-effective way to attend games at Bartow Arena. An overview of the sales schedule can be found here. For more information, fans can request information here or by calling the UAB Athletics Ticket Office at (205) 975-UAB1.

GROUP PRICES AND FAN EXPERIENCE PACKAGES NOW AVAILABLE
Individuals and corporate groups can plan a memorable experience at any UAB home event at Bartow Arena this season by completing the UAB Basketball Group Ticket Request Form. Fan experience packages and discounted group tickets are available with a minimum purchase of 15 tickets. Fan Experiences at Bartow Arena are available on a first-come, first-served basis at every home basketball game throughout the season.

Group ticket packages offer your family, friends or company the opportunity to save money on a single game ticket price while gaining access to unforgettable fan experiences at Bartow Arena. Discounted group rates are available for men’s and women’s basketball games. The prices depend on the size of the group booked in advance. This season, UAB Athletics will offer unique fan experiences for groups, including a ghost tunnel, sideline warm-up watch, center court group photo, post-game free throws and videoboard recognition, among others. Click here for a full listing of group rates, group benefits and fan experience packages offered.

TURN ON
UAB Athletics is excited to join the American Athletic Conference and needs Blazer Nation to strengthen itself through membership in the 2024 Blazer Boosters. Join the Blazer Boosters today as UAB student-athletes compete for championships, graduate with honors and make a difference in our community.

FOLLOW THE BLAZERS
For more information about the UAB men’s basketball team, follow @UAB_MBB on Twitter and Instagram.