COL BKB: Memphis 69, Southern Miss. 53

MEMPHIS, March 14 (UPI) -- Derrick Rose scored 25 points Friday to guide third-ranked Memphis to an easy 69-53 win over Southern Mississippi in a Conference USA quarterfinal.

The Tigers, playing on their home court, the FedEx Arena in Memphis, trailed 3-2 before scoring 18 straight points for a 20-3 lead with 11:21 left before halftime and were never in danger from that point.

Rose, a native of Chicago, continued a brilliant freshman season by adding three rebounds and two assists but two turnovers.

Chris Douglas-Roberts scored 14 and Antonio Anderson added eight points and six assists for the Tigers (32-1), who have won six in a row since their lone loss 66-62 against Tennessee on Feb. 23.

USM was led by Sai'Quon Stone's 14 points and 10 rebounds.

Jeremy Wise and R.L. Horton scored 12 points apiece for the Eagles (19-14), who hope to land an NCAA Tournament berth on Sunday but likely will land in the NIT.