UAB’s Yaxel Lendeborg Leads Blazers Past FAU in Thrilling AAC Showdown

In a hard-fought American Athletic Conference (AAC) clash on Sunday night, UAB secured a key 81-76 victory over Florida Atlantic at Bartow Arena, powered by a stellar performance from Yaxel Lendeborg. The forward dominated with 22 points on 10-of-13 shooting, adding 10 rebounds and seven assists to guide the Blazers (10-7, 3-1 AAC) to their third conference win.

Christian Coleman added 15 points on efficient 6-of-10 shooting for UAB, while Alejandro Vasquez chipped in 14 points, including a near-perfect 6-of-7 from the free-throw line.

Florida Atlantic (9-8, 2-2 AAC) surged early, igniting a 12-0 run behind back-to-back three-pointers from Kaleb Glenn and KyKy Tandy. The Owls capitalized on their perimeter shooting, hitting 50% from beyond the arc in the first half. Glenn and Tandy combined for 20 of FAU’s 35 first-half points, keeping the visitors competitive despite trailing 40-35 at halftime.

UAB countered with consistent interior scoring, highlighted by Lendeborg’s presence in the paint and Coleman’s mid-range efficiency. The Blazers’ ability to control the boards and execute inside gave them a slim lead heading into the locker room.

Trailing by 12 with 13 minutes remaining, FAU mounted a fierce comeback by attacking the paint. The Owls found success driving to the basket, with 26 of their 41 second-half points coming inside. Tre Carroll, who led FAU with 20 points, was instrumental in the surge, while Tandy’s sharp shooting and Glenn’s versatility kept the Owls within striking distance.

The game tightened in the final minutes as FAU tied the score five times. Carroll’s clutch free throws with 2:58 remaining gave the Owls a 75-73 lead, energizing the crowd at The Elly. However, UAB responded with timely scores inside, regaining the lead and holding off FAU in the closing moments.

UAB’s Yaxel Lendeborg led all players with 22 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists. Christian Coleman and Alejandro Vasquez added 15 and 14 points, respectively, showcasing the Blazers’ balanced attack.

FAU’s Tre Carroll paced the Owls with 20 points, while KyKy Tandy contributed 14 points, hitting four three-pointers. Kaleb Glenn scored 13 points and pulled down eight rebounds, while Baba Miller added 10 points and three blocks.

FAU will aim to rebound on Wednesday, Jan. 15, when they travel to New Orleans to face Tulane (9-8, 3-1 AAC) at 7 p.m. on ESPN+. The Owls return to The Elly on Sunday, Jan. 19, for a 1 p.m. matchup against Rice (11-6, 2-2 AAC).

For UAB, the win bolsters their position in the AAC standings as they continue their push for a strong conference season.

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