UAB hangs on to beat UTEP, 87-80

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) William Lee scored 18 points and pulled down 12 rebounds to lead UAB to its 10th straight win, 87-80, over UTEP on Saturday.

The Blazers have not been defeated since an 82-77 overtime loss to Virginia Tech on November 28.

Chris Cokley had 14 points and 11 boards, including six offensive, and Nick Norton added 13 points and seven assists for UAB (13-3, 3-0 Conference USA), which grabbed 16 offensive rebounds and got to the free throw line 36 times.

UAB led 45-33 at halftime, and a Cokley dunk pushed the lead to a game-high 19 (55-36) with 14:37 left. From there UTEP chipped away, cutting its deficit below double figures on an Earvin Morris 3-pointer with 8:20 remaining and down to 79-74 with 1:19 to go.

But a Cokley layup and two Norton free throws in the next 12 second iced the game.

Morris led UTEP (10-7, 2-2) with 23 points.