UAB Blazers at South Florida Bulls (January 4, 2026) Men’s College Basketball

• Game Time: 1:00 PM ET

• Location: Tampa, Florida (Yuengling Center)

• Point Spread: South Florida -7.5 (Open: -6.5)

• Over/Under: 163.5

American Athletic Conference play continues with a matchup between two teams entering league action on different notes. UAB brings a solid non-conference mark but carries a loss into conference, while South Florida looks to leverage its high-scoring attack and perfect home record against a Blazers squad known for rebounding prowess and transition opportunities. The stylistic clash between the Bulls’ up-tempo offense and UAB’s defensive grit sets up an intriguing early-season test in the AAC.

Key Matchup to Watch

Pace control and turnover margin stand out as the critical battle. South Florida thrives on forcing steals and turning them into quick scores, while UAB excels in transition points and limiting opponents’ extra possessions through rebounding. Whichever team dictates tempo and wins the possession game could gain a significant edge in this high-volume affair.

Total Outlook (O/U 163.5)

South Florida’s elite scoring pace and willingness to shoot threes and attack the rim suggest potential for a high-output game, especially at home. UAB contributes solid points in transition and on the glass, but their defensive approach could slow things if they control rebounds and avoid live-ball turnovers. The interaction between the Bulls’ efficiency and the Blazers’ rebounding edge will determine if the game clears this mark comfortably.

UAB Blazers

• Record: 9-5 (conference 0-1)

• Coach: Andy Kennedy (6th season)

• Preseason Conference Poll: 4th in AAC

• Last Game: December 31 – Wichita State 75, UAB 70. The Blazers struggled to contain the Shockers in their conference opener, allowing efficient scoring inside despite a competitive effort on the glass. Key contributors stepped up individually, but turnovers and second-half lapses proved costly in the home defeat. This performance highlighted areas for improvement heading into road play.

• This Game: UAB relies on strong rebounding from players like Daniel Rivera and fast-break scoring led by guards such as Chance Westry and Evan Chatman. The Blazers push tempo when possible and emphasize defensive rebounds to limit second chances, with a balanced attack that features multiple options in transition and half-court sets. Road challenges will test their depth against a home crowd.

South Florida Bulls

• Record: 8-5 (conference 0-0)

• Coach: Bryan Hodgson (2nd season)

• Preseason Conference Poll: 2nd in AAC

• Last Game: December 29 – Georgia College & State University 50, South Florida 111. The Bulls showcased their offensive firepower with multiple players in double figures, overwhelming rebounding, and strong transition play. Izaiyah Nelson and CJ Brown delivered double-doubles, underscoring the team’s interior presence and playmaking as they closed non-conference undefeated at home. This blowout built momentum entering AAC action.

• This Game: South Florida features one of the nation’s top-scoring offenses, driven by high-volume three-point attempts, frequent trips to the free-throw line, and aggressive rebounding led by Izaiyah Nelson. Guards like CJ Brown provide assists and scoring, while the team forces turnovers to fuel fast breaks. Home court advantage at the Yuengling Center amplifies their pressure defense and depth.