Dec. 21, 2001

Final Stats

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Deanna Jackson, Natasha Thomas and Shaquetta Rhodes each posted double-doubles to help lead UAB (7-3) to an 84-58 victory over Samford (1-6, 0-2 Trans America Athletic Conference) in first round play of the Lady Blazer Classic at Bartow Arena.

The nation's leading scorer and rebounder, Jackson, became the school's all-time leading rebounder, posting 18 boards for the game along with 28 points. It marked the sixth time this season she has scored 20 or more points and the seventh time she has been the team's high scorer. Jackson now has seven double-doubles this season and 58 for her career.

Thomas posted her eighth double-double of the season with 12 points and 13 rebounds. She currently leads Conference USA in double-doubles.

Rhodes recorded her second double-double of the season, scoring 18 points and grabbing 11 rebounds.

The Lady Blazers took a 6-5 lead at the 17:36 mark of the first half and never looked back, leading by as many as 28 in the second half.

"It was not a perfect game, but it was a good game," said UAB Head Coach Jeannie Milling. "We need to shoot the ball better and do a better job of defending perimeter play."

UAB owned the boards, outrebounding Samford 62-27. The Lady Blazers were especially dominate on the offensive glass, getting 28 rebounds to the Bulldogs' six.

"Our rebounding was really good," Milling added. "I believe it was what won the game for us."

UAB used a 14-0 run late in the first half to build a 20 point lead. The Lady Blazers led 46-24 at the half.

Clarissa Clark led Samford with 17 points and Giovanni Price added 12 points for the Bulldogs.

UAB moves on to the championship game and will face Austin Peay tomorrow at 5 p.m. Samford and Birmingham-Southern will play in the consolation game at 3 p.m. tomorrow.