COL BKB: Memphis 70, UTEP 64

MEMPHIS, Feb. 2 (UPI) -- Chris Douglas-Roberts scored 24 points Saturday when top-ranked and unbeaten Memphis sweat out a 70-64 victory against Texas-El Paso.

The winners shot only 36.4 percent from the floor, including a dismal one-for-17 effort from three-point range, and sank just 21 of 41 free throws.

Additionally, their halftime lead was a paltry 32-28 which turned into 60-56 deficit with 3:35 to play after a three-pointer by UTEP guard Randy Culpepper.

But Memphis then closed with an 14-4 run.

Freshman sensation Derrick Rose had 17 points and eight rebounds but no other player scored in double figures for the Tigers (21-0, 7-0 Conference USA), who remained the lone unbeaten team in Division I men's basketball.

UTEP got 27 points and seven rebounds from Stefon Jackson.

Marvin Kilgore had 10 points and four rebounds, while both Culpepper and Victor Ramalho scored eight points for the Miners (13-7, 4-3), who had won their previous two contests.