UAB cruises against Louisiana Tech, 80-60

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) Nick Norton scored 16 points and Hakeem Baxter added 15 and 10 rebounds to help lead UAB to an 80-60 victory over Louisiana Tech on Thursday night.

Tosin Mehinti and Chris Cokley each added 12-point, seven-rebound performances for the Blazers (12-11, 8-2 Conference USA), who have won eight of their last 10.

UAB shot 46.8 percent from the field, holding Louisiana Tech to 33.8 percent, and hit 16 of its 19 free throw attempts. The Blazers also dominated the glass, winning the rebounding battle 49-34. UAB is 9-2 this season when out-rebounding its opponents, and just 2-9 when it does not.

A 3-pointer by the Bulldogs Alex Hamilton cut UAB's lead to 52-50 with 14:51 left, but the Blazers closed the game scoring 28 of the final 38 points to win running away.

Raheem Appleby led Louisiana Tech (17-6, 8-2) with 17 points.