COL BKB: Conference USA Roundup

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TULSA, Okla., March 16 (UPI) -- Chris Crawford's career-best 30 points Friday lifted No. 17 Memphis to an 85-74 victory over Tulsa, putting the Tigers in the Conference USA tourney title game.

Crawford hit 8-of-10 from long range in bringing Memphis its fifth straight victory and setting up a championship meeting on Saturday with second-seeded Southern Mississippi.

Southern Mississippi reached the finals with an 85-67 decision over Texas-El Paso.

Geron Johnson added 14 points and seven rebounds for the Tigers (29-4).

Tulsa took a one-point lead early in the second half, but consecutive 3-pointers from Crawford touched off an 11-2 Memphis run.

Dwayne Davis delivered 27 points in Southern Mississippi's win over the Miners.

Jerrold Brooks and Jonathan Mills added 13 points each for the Golden Eagles (25-8), who are in good position for an NCAA Tournament bid even if they cannot pull off what would be a large upset against Memphis.

Southern Mississippi has won three in a row.

C.J. Cooper had 20 points off the bench to pace the Miners (18-14).