COL BKB: Memphis 77, W. Kentucky 61

MEMPHIS, Dec. 4 (UPI) -- Joe Jackson helped Memphis get off to a hot start Saturday and the No. 15 Tigers stayed unbeaten by holding off Western Kentucky 77-61.

Memphis owned a 47-31 advantage at the break before Western Kentucky closed within nine with less than 7 minutes remaining.

The Tigers than pulled away behind Jackson's 16 points and 13 from D.J. Stephens. Memphis improved to 7-0, limiting the Hilltoppers to 21 field goals and 4-of-18 shooting from behind the arc.

Western Kentucky (3-5) has lost four in a row. Sergio Kerusch led the Hilltoppers with 16 points.