Tigers upend late comeback by UAB; win 62-59

The third annual Bartow Classic went as advertised. In a game that's usually electric due to the heated rivalry of both schools, but this one was because of beloved coach Gene Bartow, whom lost his battle with cancer, the University of Memphis Tigers (10-5, 1-0 in Conference USA) defeated the UAB Blazers (5-9, 0-1 in C-USA) in a closely contested game 62-59 to open the C-USA play for both teams.

"That was good win, I'm very proud of our guys," said Josh Pastner, head coach of the Tigers. "That was not an easy game, that was a very good UAB team and they're better than their record. So to win on the road like this, it's very hard to do."

The Tigers and Blazers went back and forth throughout the game, with the lead changing hands 16 times and 10 ties. UAB led the game at halftime 32-31, but it was Memphis who was able to hold the Blazers to just 6-of-22 shooting (27.3 percent) in the second half en route to beating the Blazers for the 12th consecutive time in the series.

"We just wanted to play hard and stay together, and that's just what we did tonight," said freshman forward Adonis Thomas. "This is a rivalry game and that's all the guys talked about. We knew we had a chip on our shoulders because this was a home game for them and a road game for us."

Thomas was second on the team with 15 points, on 7-of-8 shooting, to go along with three assists and three blocks. But it was standout sophomore guard Will Barton who registered his eighth double-double of the season, scoring 16 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Sophomore guard Chris Crawford also scored double figures with 10 points, three steals and two blocks.

Going down the stretch, it looked as though the Tigers would let the Blazers steal one at home. But after a Witherspoon turnover with three seconds on the clock, the Tigers' defense stole a UAB inbounds with one second remaining to seal the win.

"Everybody contributed," Pastner said. "I think Wesley (Witherspoon) gave us a heck of an effort in the second half to help us win this basketball game - Adonis Thomas did some good things offensively and defensively as well."

The Tigers open C-USA at home Wednesday against another rival in Southern Mississippi. Memphis has a commanding 60-23 edge is this series and have won the last 17 meetings. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.