Santa Clara Broncos battle UAB Blazers in NIT showdown

In the United States, the Santa Clara Broncos faced off against the UAB Blazers in the National Invitation Tournament on March 23, 2025. This match marked the first meeting between the two teams for the season. Both teams brought solid records into the game; Santa Clara entered with a 21-12 overall record, including a notable 12-7 mark in their conference play in the West Coast Conference (WCC). On the other hand, the UAB Blazers stood with a 23-12 record, having a strong 15-6 performance in the American Athletic Conference (AAC). The matchup promised an exciting contest given the teams' respective strengths. Santa Clara averaged an impressive 81.9 points per game while showcasing a high level of play with a concentration on assists, averaging 17.2 assists per game, with Adama Bal leading the charge, contributing 3.1 assists per game. In contrast, the Blazers, despite their somewhat lower scoring average of 78.9 points, proved to be competitive, particularly in one-possession games where they recorded a balanced 3-3 outcome. Yaxel Lendeborg stood out for UAB, showcasing a remarkable versatility with averages of 17.2 points, 12.1 rebounds, and 4.1 assists over their previous ten games, which also contributed to their overall performance in the AAC. On the boards, both teams demonstrated adept skills, with UAB leading the AAC in rebounding at 36.5 rebounds per game. Santa Clara, ranking third in the WCC, relied on Johnny O'Neil, who averaged 5.6 rebounds. The game highlighted different playstyles, illustrating UAB's reliance on three-point shooting, as they averaged 6.5 made three-pointers, even though they faced challenges given that Santa Clara allowed 7.3 made three-pointers per game, indicating a potential avenue for scoring for the Blazers. As the match unfolded, the two teams aimed to capitalize on their scoring abilities while matching their defensive capabilities. The stakes of the tournament pushed both squads to tap into their best performances. Fans eagerly anticipated how the strategic plays would materialize and which team would leverage their strengths to secure a pivotal win in this critical tournament setting.