Nov. 15, 2008

Final Stats

TROY, Ala. - Senior guard Paul Delaney III, playing in his first game since a knee injury sidelined him all of last season, scored 24 points, while senior forward Lawrence Kinnard had 22 points and 13 rebounds to lead UAB to a season-opening 87-66 victory over Troy on Saturday afternoon. Freshman guard Terrence Roderick also contributed 17 points, eight rebounds, five steals and four assists en route to the win.

"I thought we came out in the first half a little too excited and played too fast," UAB head coach Mike Davis said. "We settled down after the half and got some open shots. I am pleased with this result."

The Blazers earned the 21-point win despite leading scorer and All-America candidate Robert Vaden finishing with a UAB career-low four points on the night on 2-of-13 shooting from the floor.

"Robert is going to have nights when he just doesn't get into a rhythm shooting the ball," Davis said, "and that's what happened tonight. What is encouraging is that we had other players step up and hit some shots for us. If we can get our scorers clicking all at once, then we are going to be a tough team to beat."

Approximately 1,000 UAB fans made the short trek to Troy to watch the Blazers open the season.

"The fans were terrific," Davis said. "When we turned into the Arena, there were a bunch of them cheering for us. It was great to see. I think that part of the reason why we came out slow was because we were excited to show our fans what this team can do. Once we settled down, things took care of itself and we started playing UAB basketball."

The Blazers struggled at the beginning, shooting only 35.1-percent from the floor in the opening 20 minutes and were only 4-of-16 from three-point range. Despite the tough shooting, UAB was able to manage a two-point lead, 36-34, at the half.

UAB came out on fire in the second half, opening with a 21-4 run to take a commanding 55-40 advantage with 13:38 remaining in the contest. The Blazers would extend their lead to the largest of the game, 73-49, at the 8:34 mark.

Troy would not get closer than 15 points the rest of the way.

The Blazers finished shooting 44.3-percent from the floor (31-of-70) compared to Troy's 34.3-percent (24-of-70). UAB also held the Trojans to on 17.6-percent from three-point range (6-of-34).

UAB will have a short turnaround before its next game, as the Blazers will travel to Tucson, Ariz. to participate in the 2008 NIT Season Tipoff. UAB will open the NIT against Santa Clara on Monday night at 5:30 p.m. PT (7:30 p.m. CT).