The Blazers trailed by one point with 24 seconds left in the game after rallying back from a 12-point deficit earlier in the half. High Point’s D’Maurian Williams drove to the basket but found a wide-open Kimani Hamilton for a score to put the Panthers back up three.

UAB then had a chance to score with 21 seconds but misfired on two three-pointers for the final buzzer sounded, losing to Panthers, 68-65.

The closing sequence was a microcosm of the night for the Blazers (2-2) made it close after two long cold stretches but were ultimately unable to finish comeback attempt.

Despite the loss, UAB had their best performance of the young season from three-point range, hitting 7-of-18 from behind the arc behind a 21-point performance from Efrem ‘Butta’ Johnson, who hit five from deep. This a possible step forward for Johnson, after only scoring 12 points total coming into this game.

Assisting the comeback attempt was Yaxel Lendeborg, whose 17 points, 15 rebounds, two steals and two blocks after scoring just two points in the first half.

Johnson and Lendeborg were the only Blazer scorers to record double digit games, with the next highest scorer being Tony Toney with seven.

The first four minutes of the game left a lasting effect on the game for UAB, as forward Christian Coleman was hit with two quick fouls and didn’t see the floor until the second half. He ended the game with only 14 minutes played after fouling out late, recording two points and one rebound.

The lack of Coleman was detrimental to the Blazers who, outside of Lendeborg, were unable to disrupt the offensive rhythm of the Panthers.

High Point’s D’Maurian Williams led all scoring with 23 points, and many of Kimani Hamilton’s 18 came at crucial points in the game.

UAB’s next game is against Auburn University at Montgomery at home on Sunday at 6:30 p.m.