- Yaxel Lendeborg records 23 points and 13 rebounds to fuel UAB’s semifinal victory
- UAB snaps North Texas’ seven-game win streak with 66-56 defensive masterclass
- Blazers advance to face No. 16 Memphis in high-stakes AAC title matchup
In a gritty American Athletic Conference semifinal showdown, third-seeded UAB outlasted North Texas 66-56 at Dickies Arena, propelled by Yaxel Lendeborg’s career-defining performance. The sophomore forward dominated both ends of the court, scoring 17 of his 23 points after halftime while securing critical defensive rebounds that stifled North Texas’ comeback attempts.
UAB’s defensive intensity set the tone early, holding the Mean Green to just 20 first-half points. Guard Ja’Borri McGhee provided crucial offensive support with 16 points, including two momentum-shifting three-pointers during a decisive 12-2 second-half run. North Texas’ Brenen Lorient matched Lendeborg’s rebounding intensity with 11 boards but struggled against UAB’s perimeter defense, shooting just 33% from the field as a team.
Three Unique Industry Insights:
1. Transfer Portal Impact: UAB’s success highlights the growing importance of strategic transfer recruitment. Lendeborg, a junior college transfer, now ranks among AAC’s top five in both scoring and rebounding—a blueprint mid-major programs increasingly adopt.
2. Defensive Analytics Shift: The Blazers held opponents under 60 points in 70% of conference wins, reflecting the AAC’s trend toward positionless defensive schemes prioritizing switchability over traditional size.
3. Economic Ripple Effect: Fort Worth’s hosting of AAC tournament games generated an estimated $4.2M in local revenue, per city tourism data—a critical factor as conferences prioritize Texas markets for neutral-site events.
Regional Case Study: AAC’s Texas Expansion
The conference’s strategic placement of tournament games in Fort Worth has amplified visibility among Texas recruits while creating rivalry incubators. North Texas’ emergence as a consistent contender—despite being surrounded by Power Five programs—demonstrates how AAC’s regional scheduling benefits smaller-market teams through increased media exposure and recruiting footholds.
As UAB prepares for Sunday’s championship battle against Memphis, analysts point to their improved ball movement (18 assists vs. North Texas) and second-chance points (14) as indicators of tournament-ready play. With an NCAA Tournament bid likely secured, the Blazers now aim to capture their first AAC title—a feat that could cement their status as a rising force in collegiate basketball’s realigned landscape.