The game had the intensity and excitement of an NCAA Final Four.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham traveled to Tampa to take on American Conference foe, the University of South Florida.

UAB overcame a host of obstacles to win 109-106 after two overtimes.

They got 11 points behind with only five minutes left in regulation play.

Their three tallest players all fouled out, leaving them with a short team to finish out the overtime play after playing catchup.

They were playing on USF’s home court in front of hostile Bulls fans.

UAB played a Gene Bartow-type of game, snatching victory from the jaws of defeat.

The victory kept UAB from suffering its first 0-2 start in conference play in the six seasons under Coach Andy Kennedy.

UAB returns home to take on Florida Atlantic Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at Bartow Arena. The Blazers are 10-5 overall and 1-1 in ACF play.

Jim Zig Zeigler is a contributing writer for Yellowhammer News. His beat includes the positive and colorful about Alabama – her people, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former State Auditor and Public Service Commissioner. You can reach him at [email protected]