Conference USA Tournament: No. 2 Alabama – Birmingham beat No. 10 Southern Methodist 69-55 to advance to the Conference USA Tournament semifinals. The Blazers will play No. 3 Texas – El Paso Friday. Four players reached double figures in scoring for Alabama – Birmingham, which used its pressure defense to force 26 turnovers, fueling 27 points. Lawrence Kinnard led the Blazers with 12 points.
Texas – El Paso will get an opportunity to beat Alabama – Birmingham for the second time in two tries this season after the Miners beat No. 11 Southern Mississippi 66-47, ending the Golden Eagles’ season. Southern Mississippi had upset No. 6 Tulsa Wednesday, but the Golden Eagles couldn’t find any offense against Texas – El Paso, which did not allow any Golden Eagle to reach double figures in scoring. Senior forward Jason Williams led the Miners with 14 points.
No. 1 Memphis obliterated No. 8 Tulane 75-56 to cruise into the semifinals against the winner of No. 4 Houston vs. No. 5 Central Florida. Senior swingman Rodney Carney led the Tigers with 18 points. Memphis jumped all over the Green Wave in the first half, building a 28-point halftime lead, which allowed the Tigers to rest its starters for much of the second half.
In the final matchup, 4th-seeded Houston made it look easy with a 71-52 victory over 5th-seed UCF. The Cougars were led by Oliver Lafayette’s 19 points (5 treys) and Jahmar Thorpe’s 11/12 double-double. Unlike yesterday, UCF came out cold, missing 6-of-7 from three-point range, and Houston led at the half 32-19. The lone highlight for the Knights was the play of Josh Peppers, who scored 15 points, and helped with three blocks. [3/09/06]
