BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Eric Gaines, Jordan “Jelly” Walker and UAB figured out a way to end the nation’s longest winning streak.
Gaines scored 21 points, Walker returned from an injury with 13 points and six assists and the Blazers ended No. 19 Florida Atlantic’s 20-game winning streak with an 86-77 victory on Thursday night.
The Owls (21-2, 10-1 Conference USA) hadn’t lost since falling 80-67 to Mississippi on Nov. 11 and made their debut in the AP Top 25 2 1/2 weeks ago.
“I don’t say we’re glad it’s behind us, because we wish it was behind us after the season was over,” Florida Atlantic coach Dusty May said. “Now, we’ll fade back into a really good team instead of a media darling.”
Walker returned from a foot injury that had sidelined him since Jan. 11. He came in averaging 23.8 points a game and the Blazers (16-7, 7-5) had averaged just 62 points in their last three outings, while winning two of them.
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“When he’s on the floor it’s just as important with the spacing he creates to allow others to finish,” UAB coach Andy Kennedy said. “He goes for a very pedestrian 13 but we score 86. That’s usually two games’ worth without him. It’s good to see us scoring the ball efficiently.”
The Blazers closed the first half on a 14-2 run capped by back-to-back 3-pointers from Walker and Ty Brewer for a 43-30 lead.
Tavin Lovan added 10 points for UAB.
Nick Boyd led Florida Atlantic with 18 points. Johnell Davis added 17 on 5-of-19 shooting. Vladislav Golden had 13 points and seven rebounds, scoring 10 in the first half.
FAU outscored the Blazers 10-2 in the first 3:28 of the second half to get within three points. UAB regained control and twice built 16-point leads. The last one came with 4:55 left following five consecutive points by Walker.
Florida Atlantic made one last push after falling behind 78-62, starting with an 8-0 run. Davis hit a pair of 3s and made two free throws — and Boyd also made a 3 — to cut it to 80-73 with 1:49 left.
The Blazers didn’t let the Owls get any closer. May wasn’t surprised that Walker was back in the lineup.
“We prepared for Jelly to play,” he said. “Obviously, he’s been day-to-day, game-to-game for a couple of weeks. With the number next to our name, the winning streak, he’s a good player that’s very competitive.
“We felt like the adrenaline would probably push him over the top.”
Houston head coach Kelvin Sampson yells during the first half of Thursday’s game against Wichita State in Wichita, Kan.
NO. 3 HOUSTON 70, WICHITA STATE: 61: Jarace Walker had 15 points, including the tiebreaking 3-pointer with 4:27 left, and Houston rallied to beat host Wichita State.
Marcus Sasser also scored 15 for the Cougars (21-2, 9-1 AAC), who trailed by six midway through the second half. Jamal Shead added 13 points and seven assists.
Five players scored in double digits to help Houston win its third straight since a one-point loss to Temple.
Jaykwon Walton equaled his career high with 24 points for the Shockers (11-11, 4-6).
UCLA guard Jaime Jaquez Jr. shoots against Washington guard Jamal Bey, right, during the second half Thursday’s game in Los Angeles.
NO. 9 UCLA 70, WASHINGTON 61: Jaime Jaquez Jr. had 15 points and 10 rebounds, Amari Bailey scored 13 points and UCLA beat visiting Washington.
UCLA completed a season sweep of Washington and stopped a two-game skid that had followed a 14-game winning streak. The Bruins (18-4, 9-2 Pac-12) also remained in first place in the conference standings.
UCLA dominated inside and defensively in the first half, scoring 26 of its first 30 points in the paint.
Keion Brooks Jr. led Washington (13-11, 5-8) with 23 points.
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