Jan. 9, 2005

Box Score |  Quotes

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) Darius Washington Jr. scored 17 points and Rodney Carney added 15 Sunday night as Memphis defeated Southern Mississippi 60-46 in the Tigers' Conference USA opener.

Memphis, which had lost three of its last four, led throughout , sending the Golden Eagles (9-5, 0-2 Conference USA) to their third straight loss.

The Tigers (8-7, 1-0) built a double-digit lead midway through the opening period, though they shot only 26 percent and scored just 17 points in the second half. The Golden Eagles never got closer than the final 14-point margin in the second half, and trailed by as much as 28.

Anthony Rice added 11 points and grabbed six rebounds for Memphis.

The Golden Eagles had no one in double figures. Mildon Ambres and Jasper Johnson were their high scorers with eight -- nine points below Johnson's season average.

It was 43-18 at halftime.

The Tigers, who at times have looked undisciplined this season, connected on half their shots in the first half, including 6-of-14 from long range and seemed to be in a better offensive rhythm.

They forced 13 turnovers in the first half, many leading to fast breaks.

Washington had 12 points in the first half and Rice chipped in 11.