journalfront

Basketball

UAB Women's Basketball Heading to Auburn for Sunday Showdown

2024-12-07

Birmingham stands as the backdrop as the UAB women's basketball team gears up to take on Auburn this Sunday afternoon. The anticipation is palpable as fans await the tipoff, set for 2 p.m. CT and set to be aired live on the SEC Network+.

Key Matchup Details

The Blazers enter this Sunday's contest with a record of 5-2, while Auburn comes in at 6-3 on the season. This marks the 36th time these two teams have faced each other, with the Tigers holding a commanding lead in the all-time series, standing at 30-5.

Recent Victories

Auburn recently secured a 66-57 victory at Virginia on Thursday night. On the other hand, UAB earned an impressive 87-66 win against Southern Miss last Sunday. These recent results add an extra layer of excitement to the upcoming showdown.

Player Performances

Maddie Walsh led four players in double figures against Southern Miss, scoring 16 points on 6-of-10 shooting in the paint and 4-of-6 from behind the arc. Tracey Bershers went 4-of-5 in field goals and 3-of-4 from the long range, collecting 12 points. Rayne Tucker also had a solid game, recording 12 points and going 6-of-8 in the field. Sara Bershers added 11 points on the afternoon.Jade Weathersby tallied 11 rebounds along with 8 points, while Journey Armstead matched her career-high with 11 assists. Ashton Elley recorded a season-best 9 points, and Eleecia Carter came away with a season-high 8 points.

Statistical Highlights

The Blazers shot an impressive 56 percent for the game and 53 percent from behind the arc, while holding the Golden Eagles to shooting 38 percent. Walsh leads UAB with 13.0 points per game, followed by Weathersby with 11.1. Sara Bershers is averaging 9.3 points per game, and Tucker is recording 9.1. Armstead is registering 9.0 points per game. Weathersby leads in the rebound category with 10.4 rebounds per game.Offensively, Auburn is led by Taliah Scott who averages 20.3 points per game, DeYona Gaston (19.9 ppg) and Celia Sumbame (10.4 ppg).

Ticket Information

Season tickets for the 2024-25 UAB women's basketball season are available for $50 for general admission tickets. Reserved courtside seating is also offered for $115. For more details about women's basketball ticket packages, call the UAB Athletics Ticket Office at (205) 975-UAB1.

Group and Premium Tickets

Individual and corporate groups can plan an unforgettable experience during UAB's home events at Bartow Arena this season by filling out the UAB Basketball Group Ticket Request Form. Fan experience packages and discounted group tickets are available starting today for a minimum purchase of 15 tickets. Fan experiences at Bartow Arena are available on a first come, first served basis throughout the season.

Power Up with Blazer Boosters

UAB Athletics is excited to officially compete in the American Athletic Conference and needs Blazer Nation to Power Up by becoming a 2024 Blazer Boosters member. Join Blazer Boosters today as UAB student-athletes strive for championships, graduate with honors, and make a difference in our community.

Follow the Blazers

For more information on the UAB women's basketball team, be sure to follow @UAB_WBBALL on Twitter and Instagram.

NORMAN – The highly anticipated return of No. 11 Oklahoma (7-1) to the Lloyd Noble Center is just around the corner. On Sunday, they will host Alabama State (2-6) at 1:30 p.m. CT on SEC Network+. The Sooners are riding high after a road win at No. 22 Louisville and are eager to keep their undefeated streak alive in Norman this season against the Lady Hornets.

Fan Experience and Game Details

During the halftime of the contest, the program will hold its annual Teddy Bear Toss. Fans are encouraged to bring as many stuffed animals as they can to donate to local children in need. Additionally, the Sooners offer an unbeatable deal with the Family Four Pack for just $48 on every Sunday in December. This package includes four tickets, hot dogs, soft drinks, and one popcorn – making it just $12 per person. Season ticket holders can also pick up their free Watch More OU Women’s Basketball shirts on the south concourse before the game. The arena doors open one hour before tip for the general public, and the Lloyd Noble Center’s clear-bag policy is in effect.

Home Winning Streak and Rankings

Oklahoma’s home winning streak currently stands at 12 games, ranking as the 12th-longest active streak in the nation and the longest during the Baranczyk era. Their last loss in Norman was on Dec. 22, 2023. This streak is the program’s longest since a 15-game run from Feb. 19, 2014, to Feb. 25, 2015, and is also the third-longest in the past 15 years of Oklahoma basketball. The Sooners enter Sunday’s contest ranked No. 13 in the latest NET ranking and 11th in the AP Poll. After their win at No. 22 Louisville and a lone loss to then-No. 13 Duke on a neutral court in overtime, they are 2-1 in Quad 1-2 games. Their 5-0 record in Quad 3-4 games showcases their dominance with an average margin of victory of 39.0.

Player Performances

Payton Verhulst, who was named SEC Co-Player of the Week on Monday after a 29-point triple-double against Duke, is on a remarkable streak. Over her last five outings, she averages 18.4 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game while shooting an impressive 51.5% from 3-point range. She has made four 3-pointers in three consecutive games, a feat she has never achieved before. Four Sooners score in double figures as OU pours in 90.3 points per game, good for fifth nationally. All-American Raegan Beers (18.6 PPG) leads the offensive charge and leads the nation in FG% at 71.8%. Additionally, Payton Verhulst (14.4), Sahara Williams (11.6), and Skylar Vann (10.8) also average 10+ PPG.

Upcoming Games and Follow-Up

After hosting Alabama State, the Sooners stay in Norman to face Oral Roberts on Sunday, Dec. 15 at 1:30 p.m. CT at Lloyd Noble Center. For updates on Oklahoma basketball, follow @OU_WBBall on Twitter and Instagram, or like Oklahoma Women’s Basketball on Facebook.

Purdue basketball's 6-foot-10 senior Caleb Furst has always been a man with a heart for good causes. Two years ago, when approached about role playing Buddy from the holiday movie "Elf", he was on board without hesitation. The annual Purdue basketball food drive, which was highly successful thanks to Furst's "Elf" skits and poster giveaways, led to Sunday's game where fans receive a poster for every five canned goods donated at Mackey Arena before the noon game against Maryland. This is Furst's third year reprising the role as Buddy. While his on-court antics in the "Elf" skits may resemble his charismatic side, his coaches and teammates know that he needs to bring that same energy to the basketball court.

Coach's Perspective on Furst's Game

Purdue coach Matt Painter had high praise for Furst after his performance in the (Nov. 28) N.C. State game. "He made some really plays in that game. I thought he made some key rebounds, some hustle plays," Painter said. "However, he didn't finish in the next game against Ole Miss, and that's an area he needs to improve. He's got to be able to finish around the rim." Furst's skills and potential were evident from the start. He was ranked by 247Sports as the No. 67 overall recruit in the 2021 class and second in Indiana, behind only Purdue teammate Trey Kaufman-Renn. He edged Kaufman-Renn for Indiana's Mr. Basketball award and arrived at Purdue with a lot of promise.

Furst's Early Years at Purdue

During his freshman and sophomore seasons, Furst started a combined 33 games as a reliable and versatile two-way player. He showed his ability to contribute on both ends of the court. But last season, things took a turn. Zach Edey's emergence meant there were not many minutes available at center. Purdue's staff also decided to start Kaufman-Renn at the four last season to provide more offensive punch. As a result, Furst averaged only nine minutes per game, and those minutes were often in short bursts when Edey was on the court.

Furst's Current Role and Value

Now, due to an unfortunate circumstance where freshman center Daniel Jacobsen fractured his tibia one minute into the season's second game, Furst's experience as a former starter has become extremely valuable. "He's done a terrific job whenever he's been in the game … " Kaufman-Renn said. "There's defensive and offensive flexibility having somebody that can do those things give us a different look. The minutes he's played have been big time." Furst is one of Purdue's best hedge defenders and, despite some struggles finishing at the rim, he is drawing fouls. His current 73.9% clip from the free throw line is a career best, as is the 2.6 free throws per game he's averaging. Purdue point guard Braden Smith also recognized Furst's importance. "He understands his role and what it takes to win in this league," Smith said. "He's been doing it for four years. It's a nice thing to have for these younger guys to see. He's been through it and he understands it."

English

Key Matchup Details

Recent Victories

Player Performances

Statistical Highlights

Ticket Information

Group and Premium Tickets

Power Up with Blazer Boosters

Follow the Blazers

Fan Experience and Game Details

Home Winning Streak and Rankings

Player Performances

Upcoming Games and Follow-Up

Coach's Perspective on Furst's Game

Furst's Early Years at Purdue

Furst's Current Role and Value