Lendeborg powers through illness to lead Blazers past Charlotte

By Steve Irvine

BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA - February 1, 2025

Alejandro Vasquez returned to form and Yaxel Lendeborg fought through illness to lead UAB to a 96-78 American Athletic Conference victory over Charlotte on Saturday afternoon at Bartow Arena.

Afterwards, UAB head coach Andy Kennedy began his press conference by giving kudos to Lendeborg, who was unable to practice on Friday and was a game-time decision on whether he could play. Lendeborg spent much of pregame warmups watching from opposing bench and was visibly exhausted in the first half. Yet, his numbers look like any other night for the AAC Preseason Player of the Year. He finished with 22 points, 14 rebounds, including six on the offensive end, five assists, two blocked shots, a steal and just one turnover in just under 30 minutes. He was 10-of-16 from the field, with two of those coming just before he sat down for good with 57 seconds remaining in  the game. He also was 1-of-2 on 3-pointers and made both of his free throw attempts.

“The kid’s just a warrior,” Kennedy said of Lendeborg, who extended his streak of at least five assists in a game to seven. “He understands the importance of these home games. He understands where we are from a position standpoint (in the standings). He was tremendous.”

Lendeborg had five rebounds by the first media timeout and 10 points and seven rebounds by halftime. Kennedy eased him through the first half with Lendeborg playing 12 minutes. He then played nearly 18 minutes in the second half and didn’t sit down for good until the Blazers (14-8 overall, 7-2 AAC) had the game was well in hand.

“Honestly, we didn't know (if Lendeborg would play),” Vasquez said. “He kind of didn't practice either, so he was just trying to battle through it. I'm not sure if he has stomach bug or food (poisoning). We weren't sure, but definitely we needed him today.”

 It also helped to get a big game from Vasquez, who finished with a game high 26 points. He was 10-of-15 from the field, made 1-of-4 from outside the 3-point arc and hit all five of his free throws. It was a welcome sight for Vasquez, who struggled offensively in the past three games. Over that stretch, he scored 15 total points and was 5-of-18 from the field.

“Definitely felt good today,” Vasquez said. “I've been in the gym just putting in work, man, trying to get some things that give me better outcomes. So definitely felt good.”

Vasquez scored nine points in 10 minutes in the first half and then took over in the second half. He had 17 points, hitting 6-of-9 from the field and five free throws, after halftime.

“The rim was just getting bigger and bigger,” Vasquez said. “The basketball was small, so I thought I could just, you know, put it right in the hole.”

UAB was also bolstered by another solid outing from Bradley Ezewiro, who finished with 13 points, 8 rebounds and a blocked shot. Tony Toney contributed 15 points, six rebounds and three assists. UAB turned the ball over a season-low four times and won points in the paint (66-50), rebounds (40-23), offensive rebounds (15-5), second chance points (23-6), bench points (42-28) and fastbreak points (16-6).

Charlotte fell to 8-14 overall and 1-7 in the AAC.

UAB now turns the page quickly to one of the biggest games of conference play when North Texas comes to Bartow Arena on Monday night at 8.