Play-in Recap – Chicago Region
by Zach Ewing
UAB won its third tournament game in its last four tries, using a frenetic pace and lots of pressure to knock off LSU, 82-68, in the first round. The Blazers made a run to the Sweet Sixteen last season before losing to Kansas.
LSU committed turnovers on two of its first three possessions but was still within 14-13 when the Blazers took off. A 12-2 run made it an 11-point game just minutes later, and UAB never got closer than nine again. The Tigers committed 12 turnovers in the first half.
It was more of the same in the second half. UAB forced a turnover the first time LSU had the ball in the second half and started with an 18-5 run. LSU eventually cut that lead to 75-66 in the last minute of play, but could get no closer.
In all, the Tigers (20-10) were no match for UAB’s pressure defense. They made 21 turnovers leading to 20 Blazer points. LSU also shot the ball horrifically. Brandon Bass scored 25 points on 8-of-10 shooting, but the rest of the team was 15-of-54. Bass also had 12 rebounds and Glen “Big Baby” Davis added 18 points and 11 boards, but the Tigers were only 6-of-31 from three-point range.
Marvett McDonald scored 21 points to lead three players in double figures for the Blazers (22-10). Up next is No. 3 seed Arizona.
