BIRMINGHAM, Ala.— The Shorter Hawks Women's Basketball team battled with UAB in an exhibition contest Wednesday night, but fell short 64-72 to the Blazers.

Tiara Lewis led the Shorter Hawks with 20 points and 9 rebounds and Derrica McCall added 19 points. The Hawks were the first to score in the first quarter as both teams traded baskets until UAB went on a 6-0 run to end the first quarter and took a 16-8 lead.

The Hawks stormed back at the Blazers in the second quarter going on a 13 point scoring run with back to back baskets from Lewis and a couple of 3-pointers from Victoria Smiley and Ahtiana Benway. This run closed the gap to 27-29 as the Hawks were only down two going into halftime.

The Hawks came out the 3rd quarter and scored a games best of 21 points behind the play of Tiara Lewis and Tionna Baker who scored 6 straight points to end the quarter.

Shorter opened the fourth quarter on a 4-0 run and closed the gap within three with 6:54 remaining at 58-55. The Hawks continued to battle as the time ran out and the final was 64-72 in favor of the Blazers. The Hawks led in several statistical categories forcing UAB to 17 turnovers, grabbing 8 steals, picking up 10 offensive boards and shooting 77% from the free throwline.

"I am proud of the fight our ladies had tonight. Our first competition of the season and we have a lot of new faces. We battled all night together and that is important to give us something to build on as we prepare for the upcoming season. UAB is a well-coached and talented team that allows us to take an early look at exactly what we need to focus individually and as a team." said head coach, LaSheena Brooks.

UP NEXT

The Hawks will travel to Chattanooga, TN on Monday to play the University of Tennessee Chattanooga at 6PM for another exhibition.