Morehead State at UAB 3/19/23 - College Basketball Picks & Predictions

The Morehead State Eagles will stay on the road for a second round matchup in the NIT tournament as they visit Birmingham, AL to take on the UAB Blazers. Morehead State comes into round two 11 games above .500 following a four point upset win on the road against Clemson in round one of the tournament. Defensively Morehead State was fantastic allowing only 64 points on 41% shooting and forced seven turnovers in the game as well. Offensively the Eagles did just enough making 35% of their shots but knocked down 11 long balls and 15 of 16 free throws to score 68 points including 36 in the second-half to erase a two point halftime deficit.

Mark freeman controlled the game for the Morehead State offense with 19 points and four assists in 34 minutes of action. Alex Gross added 16 points and nine rebounds, while Kalil Thomas and Drew Thelwell chipped in 11 points each as four of the five Morehead State starters scored double digits on the road against Clemson.

UAB will remain at home in the NIT tournament in the second round with 26 wins on the year following a 28 point blowout of Southern Miss in the first round. The UAB defense controlled the game allowing just 60 points including only 22 in the second-half as southern missed shot 36.1% from the floor and UAB forced 24 turnovers in 40 minutes as well. Offensively UAB was dominant scoring 88 points on 47.9% shooting and the Blazers made seven long balls as well.

Jordan Walker leads the way for the UAB offense this season averaging 23.2 points per game on 42.1% shooting from the floor. Eric Gaines is 2nd on the team scoring 11.6 points to go along with a team leading 4.5 assists and KJ Buffen averages 10.9 points per game as well. Big man Trey Jemison averages 9 points and a team high 8.2 rebounds per game.