BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (Interstat) — The UAB Blazers used a dominant first-quarter offensive explosion to secure their first win of the season, defeating the visiting Alabama A&M Bulldogs 80-56 in a non-conference women’s basketball game Wednesday night at Bartow Arena.

UAB set the tone immediately, erupting for 28 points in the opening period while holding Alabama A&M to just nine. The Blazers’ hot shooting from beyond the arc was the primary catalyst, as they connected on 13 of 21 three-point attempts for the game, a 61.9 percent success rate. In contrast, the Bulldogs struggled to find their range, making only 2 of 12 from deep.

The Blazers’ offensive efficiency was starkly superior. Despite both teams having 79 possessions, UAB scored 80 points for an offensive rating of 101.8, while Alabama A&M managed just 56 points, resulting in a rating of 71.2. UAB shot 49.1 percent from the floor overall, compared to Alabama A&M’s 34.9 percent.

Cali Smallwood led all scorers with a game-high 29 points for UAB. The Blountsville, Alabama, native was efficient from the field, contributing significantly to her team’s three-point barrage. Sofia Munoz of Canovanas, Puerto Rico, orchestrated the offense, dishing out eight assists to go with 16 points. The Blazers also shared the ball effectively, tallying 15 assists as a team and forcing 15 steals, which led to 25 points off turnovers.

Alabama A&M was led by Coriah Beck, who scored 19 points, and Maori Davenport, who added 17 points and seven rebounds. Davenport, from Troy, Alabama, also recorded three blocks. The Bulldogs were plagued by 27 turnovers and shot just 68.6 percent from the free-throw line, making 24 of 35 attempts.

After the lopsided first quarter, UAB took a 41-23 lead into halftime. The Blazers maintained their advantage through the second half, outscoring the Bulldogs 39-33 over the final two quarters to close out the victory.

With the win, UAB evens its record at 1-2. The Blazers are scheduled to travel to face Chattanooga on Sunday. Alabama A&M falls to 1-2 and will next play on the road against Alabama on Monday. The announced attendance at Bartow Arena was 437.