WKU, Louisiana Tech remain undefeated, UAB may be the Conference USA surprise

In last night’s episode of “second half explosions,” you have the Charlotte 49ers, who actually trailed the Mean Green at halftime, go for 53 points in the final 20 minutes to cruise to a 73-57 win. Reigning Conference USA Freshmen of the Week

only had eight points to show for 22 minutes on the court.

Oh no, what have the Hilltoppers done to the Monarchs? For a while, this game was a little too close for ODU fans, and some might even tell you a 10 point win over Rice isn’t comfortable enough. Rice only used eight men, which might explain why they couldn’t overtake the Monarchs, and 25 points from Aaron Bacote didn’t hurt ODU’s cause.

In the first of two overtime games that happened last night, the Thundering Herd took the Tops’ next opponent, FIU, into overtime and went cold, scoring only three points in the extra session, helping lead FIU to the 66-62 win. FIU won despite shooting 18.2% from beyond the arc and being outrebounded 49-38, but four double figure scorers, including 19 from Dennis Mavin helped lead the Panthers from what would have been just a terrible loss. (Again, no offense, Marshall.)

UAB may have lost, but they proved that they’ll be a team to be reckoned with as conference play continues. They fought a cold start, which found them trail by 10 in the opening half, to fight back and actually take a three point lead at halftime. The second half was just as close, and eventually came down to free throws and saw the Bulldogs escape with a win.

and

lead the way in scoring, with McCree scoring 26 and Hamilton netting 20. The loss was UAB’s first conference loss of the year.

MTSU was one of only two road teams – along with the Hilltoppers – to win last night around the conference. Lead by 18 points from

off the bench (the last two of which won the game, on a layup with 40 seconds to play), the Blue Raiders squeaked by the Golden Eagles. Southern Miss had three scorers in double-figures, lead by 18 points from

The other overtime game of the day saw the Hilltoppers play – and win – not just their first ever Conference USA road game, but first ever C-USA overtime game.

and

once again paced the way for WKU. FAU held a 13 point lead with just under 12 minutes to play in the second half and used a barrage of three pointers – 14 to be exact – to keep within reach of the Tops and force overtime. Three Owls scored double figures, lead by

21 points. The Tops, along with Louisiana Tech, are 4-0 in conference play while FAU is now winless since league play began.