An 81-80 win over the DePaul Blue Demons on Wednesday was only the beginning of the biggest week of the basketball season so far for the UAB Blazers.
The finale, which will come Saturday night against the Houston Cougars, promises to be filled with all the intrigue of a best-selling mystery novel.
By the time UAB (19-9, 9-6 C-USA) hits the floor of Hofhienz Pavilion at 7 p.m. to face resurgent Houston (18-11, 9-6), the Blazers should know whether a first-round bye in next week's Conference USA basketball tournament is indeed attainable. If DePaul loses at home to Louisville earlier in the day Saturday, a UAB victory over UH will give the Blazers the No.4 seed in the tournament based on an elaborate tie-breaker system that is as confusing as the BCS.
"Every game becomes that much bigger because of what's at stake," said head coach Mike Anderson, who barely had time to celebrate the overtime win over the Blue Demons. "You want to be playing some of your best basketball now."
UAB is gaining momentum at the most crucial time despite nagging injuries. Winners of three straight, the Blazers have finally rid themselves of the nasty habit of losing close contests. Forward Demario Eddins, known for pulling an occasional disappearing act, and senior guard Donell Taylor, finally adjusted to playing without his twin brother, are leading the way.
Eddins has topped 22 points in the past two contests while Taylor is averaging 21.7 in his past three contests.
"Hopefully, we're starting to put things in gear," Anderson said. "We've still got some things to correct but we're playing with the energy level and a mindset of defense."
The finale, which will come Saturday night against the Houston Cougars, promises to be filled with all the intrigue of a best-selling mystery novel.
By the time UAB (19-9, 9-6 C-USA) hits the floor of Hofhienz Pavilion at 7 p.m. to face resurgent Houston (18-11, 9-6), the Blazers should know whether a first-round bye in next week's Conference USA basketball tournament is indeed attainable. If DePaul loses at home to Louisville earlier in the day Saturday, a UAB victory over UH will give the Blazers the No.4 seed in the tournament based on an elaborate tie-breaker system that is as confusing as the BCS.
"Every game becomes that much bigger because of what's at stake," said head coach Mike Anderson, who barely had time to celebrate the overtime win over the Blue Demons. "You want to be playing some of your best basketball now."
UAB is gaining momentum at the most crucial time despite nagging injuries. Winners of three straight, the Blazers have finally rid themselves of the nasty habit of losing close contests. Forward Demario Eddins, known for pulling an occasional disappearing act, and senior guard Donell Taylor, finally adjusted to playing without his twin brother, are leading the way.
Eddins has topped 22 points in the past two contests while Taylor is averaging 21.7 in his past three contests.
"Hopefully, we're starting to put things in gear," Anderson said. "We've still got some things to correct but we're playing with the energy level and a mindset of defense."
