Hot-shooting Memphis tops UAB

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) -- Will Barton and Chris Crawford scored 16 points each as Memphis used a first-half 3-point barrage to build an early lead and coast to a 79-45 victory over Alabama-Birmingham on Saturday night. Antonio Barton added 10 for Memphis (18-7, 8-2 Conference USA) which remained tied with Southern Mississippi atop the conference standings. Preston Purifoy led the Blazers (10-14, 5-6) with 14 points, while Quincy Taylor added 12, connecting on 5 of 7 from the field. The Blazers top two scorers -- Cameron Moore and Jordan Swing -- endured miserable nights. They were a combined 1 of 11 from the field, contributing to UAB shooting 34.1 percent (15 of 44). UAB, which entered the game on a three-game winning streak, never was in the game as the Tigers hit their first seven from outside the arc, ending the night 14 of 24 from long range (58.3 percent). Memphis would end the night 26 of 49 (53.1 percent) overall. The Tigers outrebounded the Blazers 33-20, including five o...