Preview: Florida Atlantic Owls at UAB Blazers in Women’s Basketball

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (Interstat) — Two American Athletic Conference teams seeking to halt slides will meet Saturday when the Florida Atlantic Owls visit the UAB Blazers at Bartow Arena.

Florida Atlantic (6-9) enters on a three-game losing streak, most recently falling 74-66 at Memphis on Wednesday. UAB (7-8) has dropped its last three contests, including a 70-65 home loss to South Florida on Tuesday.

The matchup features a pair of standout guards in strong recent form. Florida Atlantic will rely on Madi Gewirtz, who is averaging 13.0 points over her last three games. She scored 22 points in a loss to Rice on Jan. 3 and added 14 points against Memphis.

UAB counters with Cali Smallwood, who has been a consistent scoring threat. She poured in 20 points in 38 minutes against South Florida and is averaging 17.3 points over her last four outings.

The Owls’ recent struggles have been marked by defensive lapses, allowing an average of 79.3 points during their three-game skid. In their last win, a 60-57 victory at Florida International on Dec. 20, Gewirtz contributed five points, five rebounds and four blocks.

The Blazers have shown resilience in close games, losing in overtime at East Carolina, 88-87, on Dec. 30, a game in which Smallwood played 43 minutes and scored 19 points. Their defense has been tighter at home, holding nonconference opponents Samford, Mississippi Valley State and Alcorn State to an average of 47.0 points in December wins.

This game opens a critical stretch for both teams looking to climb the conference standings. Following this contest, Florida Atlantic hosts Wichita State on Jan. 13, while UAB travels to face Rice on Jan. 14.

Tipoff is set for Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, in Birmingham.