Preview: UAB Blazers at Florida Atlantic Owls

BOCA RATON, Fla. (Interstat) — Two American Athletic Conference women’s basketball teams with identical records and a recent history of close games will meet Saturday when the UAB Blazers visit the Florida Atlantic Owls.

The matchup at FAU Gymnasium features teams with 9-13 overall records seeking momentum for the final stretch of the conference schedule. Florida Atlantic won the first meeting this season, 70-63, at UAB on Jan. 10.

UAB (9-13) enters on a two-game winning streak, including an 81-69 victory over Texas-San Antonio on Tuesday. Guard Molly Moffitt led the Blazers with 19 points and four assists in that win. Over her last seven games, Moffitt is averaging 11.6 points and has scored in double figures four times, including a 15-point performance in the first game against FAU.

Florida Atlantic (9-13) looks to rebound from a 67-49 loss at North Texas on Jan. 31. In that defeat, guard Erin Rodgers scored a career-high 23 points. Rodgers, who had five points in the Jan. 10 win over UAB, has been a key offensive variable for the Owls, averaging 9.9 points per game on the season.

The Blazers’ recent surge follows a six-game losing skid. Beyond Moffitt, UAB has relied on production from Cali Smallwood (15 points vs. UTSA) and Sofia Munoz (11 points, seven assists vs. UTSA).

The Owls’ season has been marked by inconsistency, alternating wins and losses in their last six outings. Their defense, which held UAB to 63 points last month, will be tested by a Blazers offense that has averaged 82 points in its last two contests.

Saturday’s game is the only scheduled meeting in Boca Raton this season between the conference foes. Following this game, UAB will host Memphis on Tuesday. Florida Atlantic will hit the road for a game at Wichita State, also on Tuesday.

Tip-off is set for Saturday afternoon.