UAB captures comeback win over UK 79-76

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- The UAB Blazers used a 28-point second half from Robert Vaden to storm back from a 14-point deficit to defeat the Kentucky Wildcats, 79-76. Vaden finished with 33 points on the day.

Kentucky forged a 12-point halftime lead over UAB, and began the second half continuing its hot shooting. For much of the game, the Cats shot over 60% from the field and from the 3-point arc, scoring a season-high 36 points from that distance.

UAB cut into the lead in the first four minutes of the half, erasing much of the deficit and cutting the lead to four. The Cats would again extend the lead out to a game-high 14, courtesy of a 10-0 lead before UAB mounted its comeback.

Ramel Bradley led Kentucky with 23 points, playing all 40 minutes of the contest. Patrick Patterson had a near-perfect outing, shooting 8-9 from the field, 2-2 from the free throw line for 18 points, while grabbing seven rebounds to lead the Cats. Joe Crawford added sixteen to round out the double digit scoring for UK.

Walter Sharpe chipped in 16 points for UAB to add to the Vaden explosion, while Reggie Huffman had a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds.

Kentucky (4-4) will now take to the road against Houston (9-1) next Saturday. UAB improves to 9-4 with the win.