Darling leads hot-shooting UAB past Southern Miss, 86-75

Jan 12, 2018, 04:14 am

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Nate Darling scored 20 points and led four players into double-figure scoring as UAB rode a 19-point first-half lead to an 86-75 Conference USA win over Southern Mississippi on Thursday night.

Darling hit two 3-pointers in the final two minutes of the first half to send the Blazers into intermission with a 46-27 advantage, then pushed it to a 21-point lead with a layup to start the second half.

UAB (12-5, 3-1) shot a brisk 61.5 percent from the field, hitting 32 of 52 attempts, including 8 of 17 from beyond the 3-point arc.

Darling was 6 of 7 from long range. Zack Bryant added 19 points while Chris Cokley was 7 of 10 from the floor to finish with 18 points and eight rebounds. William Lee added 16 points and grabbed seven boards.

Tyree Griffin finished with 23 points and dished seven assists for Southern Miss (9-9, 2-3).