Nov. 28, 2000

Box Score

By PAM EASTON
Associated Press Writer

LUBBOCK, Texas -- LeAndrew Bass scored 23 points and grabbed nine rebounds as the University of Alabama-Birmingham beat Texas Tech 89-71 Tuesday night.

Bass broke open a 40-40 tie early in the second half, and his team continued to build up a lead that grew to as many as 20 points with less than a minute left in the game.

The Blazers (3-0) shot 50 percent for the game, while the Red Raiders (2-1) only managed 40 percent, including 4-14 shooting from the 3-point line. UAB outrebounded Tech 46-25.

Eric Batchelor added 20 points and eight rebounds for the Blazers, while Igor Nikolic added 16 points and seven rebounds. David Walker had 14 points and six rebounds.

Tech took its first lead of the game about six minutes into the first half off a 3-pointer by Andy Ellis. The shot put Tech ahead 17-14 with 12:57 remaining in the first half.

The Red Raiders, who were led by Ellis' 24 points, could not hold onto the slim lead and entered halftime down 37-38.

Jayson Mitchell scored 15 and Andre Emmett added 14 points for the Red Raiders.