BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – TJ Washington and Brandon Averette combined for 37 points as Utah Valley surged past UAB on the road, 66-55, to kick off the BBN Showcase. The Wolverines improved to 3-1 on the season, handing the Blazers their first loss on the year.
 
"I'm really proud of how everyone played. When Isaiah White went down, guys were telling him that they had his back and coming back from a close loss, they knew they would have to step up," said Utah Valley head coach Mark Madsen. "Averette stepped up in front of a bunch of family members and our guards responded and made big plays."
 
Utah Valley took an early 7-4 lead over the first four minutes, but the Blazers responded with a 17-5 run to take a 21-12 advantage with 5:34 to go in the opening half. Jamison Overton scored the next six points for the Wolverines to spark a 13-5 run to cut the deficit to a single point. UAB scored the final four points of the half to take a 30-25 lead into the half.
 
After a bucket by Overton, the Wolverines used a barrage of three pointers from Washington, Averette, and Casdon Jardin to take a 42-39 lead with 10:46 to go in the game. After briefly surrendering the lead, UVU took command of the game, outscoring UAB 24-13 over the final nine minutes to secure their first road win of the year, 66-55. The win also secures coach Madsen his first win over a Division I opponent as coach at Utah Valley.
 
The Wolverines made a season-high 10 shots from deep at a 43.5 percent clip and held the Blazers to just 2-of-10 from beyond the arc. Utah Valley finished the game 23-of-52 from the field and outrebounded UAB 34-33. The Wolverines also finished with six blocks, giving them a nation-leading 34 blocks on the season.
 
Washington paced the Wolverines with 19 points, connecting on three shots from deep and all four of his free throws. Washington also added six rebounds and three steals. Three other Wolverines scored in double figures as Averette added 18 points, Jardine pumped in 14 points, and Overton finished with 11 points. Brandon Morley led UVU with 10 rebounds and Emmanuel Olojakpke swatted a team-leading three shots. Cavit Ege Havsa led the Wolverines with four assists.
 
Utah Valley continue the BBN Showcase, taking on Kentucky in Rupp Arena on Monday, Nov. 18. Tip off is set for 5 p.m. MT and will be broadcasted on ESPN2 and ESPN960 AM. The Wolverines then return home to take on Lamar in the UCCU Center on Thursday, Nov. 21.