Tanahj Pettway shines despite Prairie View A&M's crushing defeat

In Birmingham, Alabama, on December 5, 2024, the Prairie View A&M Panthers faced a significant challenge as they prepared to take on the UAB Blazers. The Panthers, with a current record of 1-6, recently suffered a heavy defeat against the Texas A&M-CC Islanders, where they lost 109-74. Tanahj Pettway stood out in that loss by scoring 21 points, making him one of the key performers for Prairie View A&M during the match. However, despite Pettway's individual success, the team has struggled this season, especially when playing away from home, as they hold an 0-6 record in such games. This matchup against the Blazers would be pivotal for the Panthers, who needed a strong performance to regain momentum in their season. The UAB Blazers entered the contest with a record of 4-5 and had a modest home record of 3-2. While the Blazers have shown promise, they have also faced their own difficulties, particularly in close games, where they have a record of 0-2 in one-possession games. The Blazers would have to rely on key players like Yaxel Lendeborg, who has been shooting impressively at 56.1% and averaging 17.6 points per game, alongside teammates looking to exploit the Panthers’ weaknesses. Prairie View A&M ranked fourth in their conference, SWAC, averaging 9.1 offensive rebounds per game, an area where Marcel Bryant has been particularly effective, contributing an average of 2.3 offensive rebounds per game. The Panthers are also known for their three-point shooting prowess, making an average of 6.9 made 3-pointers per game, but they faced a challenge against UAB, who allows an average of 5.7 made 3-pointers per game. This statistic indicates a potential advantage for the Blazers if they can limit Prairie View A&M's shots behind the arc while capitalizing on their offensive opportunities. As both teams prepared for the upcoming game, it was evident that Prairie View A&M needed to turn their season around, starting with a significantly improved performance against UAB. This game represented not just a chance to secure a win but also an opportunity for the Panthers to build some confidence after a series of losses. Head Coach Byron Smith and his team were keen to harness Pettway's scoring ability and translate it into a more cohesive team effort that could finally yield positive results on the road. The outcome of the game would be significant for both teams as they aimed for a better record heading into the next part of the season.