UAB Basketball Aims for Unexpected Tournament Run

Five reasons why the Blazers could create March Madness despite an up-and-down season.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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UAB basketball has had an unpredictable season, with a stark contrast between their dominant road performances and struggles at home. However, the Blazers may still have a chance to make an unexpected tournament run, thanks to the stellar play of star guard Chance Westry, their ability to limit turnovers and fouls, and a potential boost from playing at the neutral-site conference tournament.

Why it matters

UAB's season has been a rollercoaster, with the team excelling on the road but struggling mightily at home. If the Blazers can find a way to translate their road success to the neutral-site conference tournament, they could pull off some March Madness upsets and earn an unlikely NCAA Tournament bid.

The details

Despite a 19-11 overall record and 10-7 mark in American Conference play, UAB has been one of the most puzzling teams in college basketball this season. The Blazers have gone a perfect 9-0 in road conference games, but just 1-7 at home. Head coach Andy Kennedy has struggled to find answers for his team's home woes, which have included significant offensive struggles. However, the Blazers may get a boost from playing at the neutral-site conference tournament at Legacy Arena, where they are 2-0 on the season. UAB will also lean heavily on the stellar play of star guard Chance Westry, who has elevated his game in recent weeks.

  • UAB will play its final home game of the regular season against East Carolina on Sunday, March 5.
  • The American Conference tournament will take place at Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama from March 10-13.

The players

Chance Westry

UAB's star guard who has been playing at a high level lately, averaging 17.3 points and 6.7 assists per game over his last seven outings.

KyeRon Lindsay-Martin

UAB's 6-foot-8 senior forward who missed time with a shoulder injury but has returned to form, providing a boost off the bench.

Evan Chatman

UAB's 6-foot-8 JUCO transfer who has been a force on the boards, recording three double-doubles in his last eight games.

Andy Kennedy

UAB's head coach who has struggled to find answers for his team's home struggles but remains optimistic about their chances in the conference tournament.

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What they’re saying

“We win a couple, everybody gets giddy. I don't. I've seen all I need to see.”

— Andy Kennedy, Head Coach (al.com)

“I've tried not to expound the problem, but I do feel like we play a little tighter at home. It's as if we're protecting something as opposed to going out and trying to see something.”

— Andy Kennedy, Head Coach (al.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

UAB's unpredictable season has left many scratching their heads, but the Blazers' road success, ability to limit turnovers and fouls, and potential boost from playing at the neutral-site conference tournament could make them a dangerous team in March. If Chance Westry and the supporting cast can find a way to translate their road form to the tournament, UAB could pull off some unexpected upsets and earn an NCAA Tournament bid.