Varnado's career-high 32 lifts Troy to a 74-73 win at UAB

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — Jordon Varnado hit a game-winning jumper and Alex Hicks added a blocked shot at the buzzer as Troy handed in-state rival UAB its first home-court loss, 74-73 on Friday night.

The win is the Trojans second-straight over a Conference USA opponent after knocking off Western Kentucky, 87-81 on Sunday.

Zack Bryant hit a 3-pointer to put the Blazers up, 72-69 with 1:13 left, but Varnado answered with a 3. Bryant hit the first of two from the line to make it 73-72 with :31 remaining, but UAB missed three straight free throws. Varnado drilled a jumper for the lead with :11 left and Hicks blocked a Bryant layup at the buzzer.

Varnado finished with a career-high 32 points and Hicks contributed 10 points, 10 rebounds and three blocked shots for Troy (6-5).

Bryant led UAB (7-5) with 18 points. Lewis Sullivan added 15 points.