College basketball

C-USA men: Maxiell makes Bearcats feel better just in time

By Times Staff Writer
Published February 20, 2005

CINCINNATI - As his sick teammates wheezed and gasped, Jason Maxiell scored and rebounded, trying not to come down with the bug that was going around.

The power forward did it all, getting No. 24 Cincinnati through a rough day.

Maxiell had 22 points and 11 rebounds Saturday, leading a flu-stricken team to a 72-69 victory over slumping Alabama-Birmingham. His best work came from the free-throw line, where he went 12-of-16.

"I knew I had to step up and be a leader," Maxiell said.

The Bearcats had a nine-point lead cut to one in the final minute, but Armein Kirkland clinched it by making two free throws with 9.9 seconds to go. UAB's Caldwell "Squeaky" Johnson missed the rim with a long 3-pointer just before the buzzer.

The worn-out Bearcats were thankful they could hold on.

"I'm relieved," coach Bob Huggins said in a raspy voice. "At this time of the year, you just keep trying to win, to find a way to win."

The Blazers forced 22 turnovers and had 11 steals - they lead the country in that category - but struggled at the free-throw line, going 10-of-21.

Three key Cincinnati players were sapped by the flu. Point guard Chadd Moore sat on the bench in long sleeves with a towel around his neck, feeling chills as he missed his second straight game. Forward James White missed a breakaway dunk, but managed 14 points. Power forward Eric Hicks, averaging 19.2 points over the previous five games, had nine.

NO. 23 CHARLOTTE 86, TULANE 67: Eddie Basden followed his coach's instructions and went to the basket early and often.

The result: Basden scored a season-high 27 for the visiting 49ers.

"My coach told me to take the ball to the basket and I would get fouled," said Basden, who made all nine of his free throws. "I attacked early and took advantage of my matchup by going to the basket."

The 49ers forced 21 turnovers, leading to 26 points. Basden had 16 points and eight rebounds as Charlotte opened a 49-27 halftime lead. They led by as many as 25 in the second half and never led by fewer than 17 after halftime.

HOUSTON 69, TCU 57: Lanny Smith had 16 points and nine assists, and Brian Latham scored 15 to lead the host Cougars. Houston has won five of its past six; TCU saw a three-game winning streak end. Corey Santee scored 14 points for TCU, and Judson Stubbs had 13 off the bench. The Cougars, who never trailed, shot 62 percent in the first half and led 39-25 at halftime.

MEMPHIS 85, S. MISS. 73: Rodney Carney had 24 points and Darius Washington added 21 for the visiting Tigers. Carney was 10-of-11 from the free-throw line and Washington had a perfect shooting day, making all six attempts from the field - including three from 3-point range - and all six of his free throws. Rashaad Carruth matched his career high with 25 points for USM.

[Last modified February 20, 2005, 00:54:14]