Chance Westry scores 22 to help UAB fend off Rice 71-65

Blazers rally in second half to defeat Owls in American Conference matchup

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Chance Westry scored 22 points and had 9 assists to lead UAB to a 71-65 victory over Rice on Sunday. Daniel Rivera added 19 points and 9 rebounds for the Blazers, who rallied from a six-point deficit in the second half to take the lead and hold on for the win.

Why it matters

This was an important conference matchup between two teams looking to improve their standing in the American Conference. UAB's comeback win keeps them in the hunt for a top spot in the league standings.

The details

UAB trailed by six points in the second half but used a 10-0 run to take the lead at 59-55 with 6:42 remaining. Westry scored 13 of his 22 points in the second half to power the Blazers' comeback. Rivera had 14 points in the first half to keep UAB close.

  • The game was played on Sunday, February 8, 2026.
  • UAB led 34-33 at halftime.

The players

Chance Westry

A key player for UAB, scoring 22 points and dishing out 9 assists to lead the Blazers to victory.

Daniel Rivera

Scored 19 points and grabbed 9 rebounds for UAB in the win.

Trae Broadnax

Led Rice with 15 points in the losing effort.

Nick Anderson

Contributed 12 points and 8 rebounds for the Owls.

Bodey Howell

Scored 11 points for Rice in the game.

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The takeaway

UAB's comeback win over Rice keeps them in the hunt for a top spot in the American Conference standings, showing the Blazers' resilience and ability to rally from a second-half deficit.