Marshall University’s men’s basketball is slated to take on the University of Alabama at Birmingham Saturday in the second game of their home series.

Last season, Marshall and UAB split the two games they played, both in a blowout fashion. The first matchup between the two teams last season was at UAB, and the Blazers defeated the Herd 94-78. In the second game at the Cam Henderson Center, the Herd was victorious and beat the Blazers 74-59.

Junior guards Rondale Watson and C.J. Burks said their focus is to play a complete game against the Blazers.

“We just have to lock in on all aspects of the game,” Burks said. “Bring that focus in, and we’ll be much better. So, we’re all just trying to lock in.”

The Blazers are third in conference standings, and have three players averaging double figures: Chris Cokley, Zack Bryant and Nate Darling.

“We got to play hard for the whole 40 minutes,” Watson said. “We do that, and we make our chances higher. We are a good team and can compete with the best teams in the conference.”

In last year’s games, points in the paint, points off the bench, and points off turnovers seemed to be the deciding factors. In the first matchup, the Blazers tallied more points in the paint and off the bench than the Herd. In the second matchup, the Herd had more points in the paint and off turnovers.

The Herd has been plagued with injuries and sickness, and head coach Dan D’Antoni said his team still has not seen their best.

“None of us have seen the best of us yet,” D’Antoni said. “We haven’t played but one game with everybody that should be playing.”

In regards to looking forward to the matchup against UAB, D’Antoni said it’s just all about playing the game.

“It’s always about the next game,” D’Antoni said. “I’m not one to get high or earmark a certain game. It’s just the next game.”

Marshall and UAB match up this Saturday at the Cam Henderson Center at 7 p.m.

Courtney Andrews can be contacted at [email protected].