Varnado's Late Shot Lifts Troy Over UAB 74-73

Friday, December 21

Birmingham, ALa.

7 p.m.

Troy University

6-5

UAB

7-5

TROY

UAB

Varnado's Late Shot Lifts Troy Over UAB 74-73

12/21/2018 10:48:00 PM | Basketball (M)

Box Score

By: Troy Athletics Communications

Birmingham, Ala. – Senior Jordon Varnado capped off a career night with a mid-range go-ahead jumper with 11 seconds remaining to lift Troy over UAB, 74-73 in non-conference basketball action inside of Bartow Arena on Friday night.

Friday's victory marks the first win over the Blazers (7-5) in the Troy's (6-5) history and the nail-biting win gave UAB its first loss inside of Bartow Arena this season.

Troy trailed 69-67 with 1:57 left before Varnado made a tough layup in between two defenders to tie the game at 69. UAB answered with a corner three from Zack Bryant who tallied 18 on the night to regain the lead with 1:13 remaining.

Varnado responded with a three of his own from the top of the key to tie the game at 72 with only 46 seconds left. The Blazers drew a foul on the next possession, made only one free throw, grabbed the offensive board and drew another foul but missed both free throws.

Once again, Varnado took control of the ball and nailed a 17-foot jumper to give Troy the 74-73 lead with 11 seconds left. UAB rushed the ball inbounds following the make and took a floater attempt that was rejected by senior Alex Hicks and on the recovery, the Blazers took a shot from half court that went in but was waved off after the official's review.

Varnado led all scorers with a career-high 32 points on 3-of-5 shooting from behind the arc alongside seven rebounds and three assists. Senior BJ Miller added 14 points with five rebounds and three assists while Hicks posted his second double double of the season in 10 points and 10 rebounds.

QUOTING COACH CUNNINGHAM
"Tremendous road win for our program. I am really happy for everybody but in particular our three seniors; they were fantastic again. That makes two straight games where our seniors refused to lose. They have a different level of toughness and it showed throughout the entire game."

"Jordon was tremendous offensively, BJ really got us back in the game in the end and Alex got the huge block at the end that sealed the win. We played at two tough places to win on the road and we did it back to back to carry momentum into the break and we need to bring it back after break."

UP NEXT
Following the holiday break, Troy will be back in action at Trojan Arena on Saturday, Dec. 29, at noon with a bout against UAPB to close out the non-conference slate.