The UAB Blazers punched their ticket to the Big Dance on Sunday afternoon after cruising to an 85-69 victory over Temple in the American Athletic Conference Basketball championship game.
UAB was led by forward Yaxel Lendeborg, who was named 2024 AAC Tournament MVP after setting an AAC Tournament record with 41 rebounds in three games. The New Jersey native also tied an AAC Tournament record by recording three double-doubles.
"This is the greatest moment of my life, man," Lendeborg said. "I can't believe I made it here. Just a kid from JUCO, I never thought I'd be in here winning championships on the big stage. I'm really proud of everyone on my team."
Head coach Andy Kennedy touted his team's "perseverance" after the win.
“These guys are a testament to perseverance. We were sitting at 4-5 in mid December, no identity, trying to figure out what was next. These guys continued to work, continued to believe, and now get to cut down these nets."
UAB's first round opponent and seeding will be announced later on Sunday.
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