BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (Interstat) — In a stunning reversal of pregame expectations, the South Alabama Jaguars delivered a commanding performance to defeat the UAB Blazers in a women’s NCAA Division I basketball game Saturday at Bartow Arena.

The final score read South Alabama 91, UAB 68, a result that defied a national statistical projection which had given the Blazers a 93.8 percent probability of victory. The Jaguars improved their early season record to 2-0, while UAB fell to 0-2.

The game was a tale of offensive efficiency and a dominant second half. After a tightly contested first quarter that ended with both teams knotted at 21, South Alabama began to create separation before the break. The Jaguars outscored the Blazers 20-18 in the second period to take a 41-39 lead into halftime.

Any hopes of a UAB comeback were extinguished in the third quarter, as the South Alabama defense clamped down. The Jaguars held the Blazers to just 13 points in the period while adding 21 of their own, stretching their lead to 62-52. The onslaught continued in the final frame, where South Alabama erupted for 29 points, turning the contest into a lopsided affair.

The statistical disparity was stark. South Alabama’s offense operated with remarkable precision, scoring 91 points from 74 possessions for an offensive rating of 122.7. UAB, by contrast, managed only 68 points from 73 possessions, an offensive rating of 93.0.

A blistering shooting display from beyond the arc was the primary catalyst for the Jaguars’ victory. South Alabama connected on 15 of 26 three-point attempts, a 57.7 percent success rate that overwhelmed the UAB defense. The Blazers, meanwhile, shot 9 for 29 from long range. From the floor overall, South Alabama made 35 of 66 shots, while UAB was held to 23 of 60.

UAB found more success at the free-throw line, making 13 of 15 attempts compared to South Alabama’s 6 of 13, but it was not nearly enough to counter the Jaguars’ torrent of made field goals.

South Alabama also capitalized on mistakes, scoring 27 points off of 17 UAB turnovers. The Blazers managed only 11 points off of 13 Jaguars turnovers. South Alabama also held a significant advantage in points in the paint, outscoring UAB 32 to 22.

Despite the lopsided score, individual efforts stood out for both squads. For UAB, Sofia Munoz of Canovanas, Puerto Rico, led all scorers with 20 points in 34 minutes of play. Eleecia Carter of Winter Garden, Florida, added 14 points and five assists for the Blazers. Riley Talbert of Amelia Island, Florida, contributed nine points and a team-high eight rebounds.

South Alabama’s victory was a balanced effort, led by Daniela Gonzalez of Jamundi, Colombia. The 6-foot guard filled the stat sheet with 12 points, six rebounds and a game-high seven assists in 33 minutes. Teammate Chrysta Narcisse of Lafayette, Louisiana, added five points, five rebounds and six assists.

The game was a continuation of early season trends for both programs. South Alabama entered the contest riding high after a season-opening 87-63 victory over Akron on Monday. UAB, conversely, was looking to rebound from a surprising 62-59 home loss to West Alabama in its opener.

Looking ahead, South Alabama will aim to maintain its momentum when it hosts Memphis on Tuesday. UAB will seek its first win of the season when it welcomes Alabama A&M to Bartow Arena on Wednesday.

The announced attendance for the Saturday matinee was 315.