BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (Interstat) — Sincere Parker erupted for a game-high 40 points, propelling the Memphis Tigers to a 90-80 victory over the UAB Blazers in an American Athletic Conference men’s basketball game Thursday night at Bartow Arena.

The Tigers, who evened their season record at 11-11, rode a dominant first-half offensive display and Parker’s scoring barrage to snap a two-game skid and hand the Blazers (14-9) a costly home defeat.

The most critical stretch of the game unfolded late in the first half, transforming a tight contest into a commanding Memphis lead. With UAB holding a narrow 22-20 advantage, Parker entered the game and immediately ignited. The 6-foot-3 guard from Rockford, Illinois, scored 15 consecutive points for Memphis in a blistering three-minute span, single-handedly engineering a 17-2 run.

Parker’s personal onslaught included a driving layup, a stepback jumper, two three-pointers and a perfect trip to the free-throw line after being fouled on a made basket. His scoring explosion turned a two-point deficit into a 37-24 lead for the Tigers, a margin from which UAB would never fully recover. Memphis carried a 44-35 advantage into halftime.

UAB, which entered the game as a slight 1.5-point favorite, struggled to find consistent offense against a disciplined Memphis defense. The Blazers shot just 37.9% from the field and a frigid 24.3% from three-point range, missing 28 of their 37 attempts from beyond the arc. They also left points at the free-throw line, converting only 21 of 35 attempts.

Despite the shooting woes, UAB stayed within striking distance for much of the second half, fueled by turnovers and offensive rebounds. The Blazers scored 25 points off 15 Memphis turnovers and grabbed 14 offensive boards, leading to 18 second-chance points. A three-pointer from Jacob Meyer brought UAB within 67-61 with just over six minutes remaining, applying late pressure.

Memphis, however, had an answer every time. Parker, who played 25 minutes, continued his efficient night, finishing 14 of 21 from the field and 5 of 8 from three-point range. His backcourt mate, Curtis Givens of Memphis, added 8 points and 3 assists. Inside, 7-foot-1 center Aaron Bradshaw provided a strong presence with 12 points and several key rebounds in 20 minutes.

For UAB, Chance Westry led a balanced effort with 15 points and 6 assists. Salim London came off the bench to score 14 points, while KyeRon Lindsay-Martin added 13 and Daniel Rivera contributed 10 points and 3 assists. But the Blazers could not overcome their poor perimeter shooting or contain Parker’s historic output.

Statistically, Memphis was the more efficient team, posting an offensive rating of 114.0 points per 100 possessions compared to UAB’s 98.0. The Tigers shot 52.4% from the field and outscored the Blazers 38-32 in the paint, overcoming UAB’s advantages in steals, assists and points off turnovers.

The victory gives Memphis momentum heading into a Sunday home game against Charlotte. UAB, which saw its two-game winning streak end, will look to regroup when it hosts Rice on Sunday. The two teams are scheduled to meet again in a rematch in Memphis on Feb. 22.