Under the Radar Game of the Day – Friday, February 12

UAB at Louisiana Tech, 7:30 PM Eastern, STADIUM

A huge showdown is set for the next two days in the West Division of Conference USA as the UAB Blazers (16-2 overall, 9-1 CUSA) head to Ruston, LA to take on the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (15-6 overall, 8-4 CUSA).  Despite UAB’s impressive overall record, the Blazers have only played four games against teams not in the bottom quadrant of the NCAA team sheets, and are only 2-2 against those teams.  In fact, by NET ratings, the games today and tomorrow will be the Blazers’ two toughest games of the season to date.  UAB features a balanced scoring attack, with four players averaging double-figures, led by Michael Ertel’s 13.1 points per game.  They also have the second best defense in Conference USA, according to KenPom.

UAB may be the second best defensive team in the conference, but Louisiana Tech is the best.  The Bulldogs have been a tough team to beat all season, having picked up splits already at Western Kentucky and North Texas and at home against Marshall (all teams that UAB has not even played so far this season).  Much like UAB, La Tech has four players averaging double figures in scoring, led by Isaiah Crawford’s 12 points per game.  Also keep an eye on Kenneth Lofton Jr who is averaging 10.3 points and 7.1 rebounds.  Given that this is a battle of two teams with balanced scoring and strong defense, tonight and tomorrow afternoon’s games both have a chance to come right down to the wire, and are must watch for anyone that loves defensive basketball.