GAME NOTES: The UAB Blazers will try to remain in the win column when they battle the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles this evening in a Conference-USA tilt at Reed Green Coliseum. The Blazers have been red-hot of late, winning seven of their last eight games, including three in a row. The last time UAB was on the floor the team grabbed a convincing, 74-55 victory over Marshall. The currently streak has pushed UAB's league mark to 5-1 on the season, which places the team in a tie for second place with Houston. As for the Golden Eagles, they are coming off a convincing, 92-69 victory over East Carolina this past Saturday. However, it was just the third win in 10 games for Southern Miss, which is now 3-4 in league action. Although Southern Miss is just 11-10 on the year, the team has played well at home, posting a 8-2 record at Reed Green Coliseum. The Blazers defeated Southern Mississippi earlier this season, 72-65, and now have a 17-10 edge over the Golden Eagles in the all-time series.

Robert Vaden has been sensational for the Blazers this season, as the guard is averaging a strong 20.8 ppg. Vaden, who also has 50 assists and 35 steals on the year, is shooting an impressive 43.8 percent from behind the arc. Unfortunately, Vaden is the only consistent threat for UAB, which is averaging 72.4 ppg as a team. The last time UAB was on the court the team grabbed a strong 19-point win over Marshall. In the victory, the Blazers shot 50.0 percent from the floor and made 18-of-23 free throw attempts. Channing Toney led the way with 18 points and also grabbed seven rebounds, while Lawrence Kinnard added a double-double with 14 points and 11 boards. As for Vaden, he connected on just 4-of-16 shots, but still finished with 15 points.

As for the Golden Eagles, they also possess a top notch guard in Jeremy Wise. Wise is currently leading Southern Mississippi with 18.7 ppg, 84 assists and 29 steals. However, he has received help from R.L. Horton and Courtney Beasley. Horton is netting 12.5 ppg on the season for USM, while Beasley has worked the paint, posting 11.6 ppg to go along with 4.9 rpg. The Golden Eagles are coming off a tremendous victory, as the team dominated ECU this past weekend, winning the contest by a 23-point margin. Southern Mississippi shot 53.4 percent from the floor and made 25-of-29 attempts from behind the arc. Wise poured in 28 points in the win, while Horton added 22 points and Beasley chipped in 15.

The Golden Eagles were outstanding the last time they were on the floor, and should be able to ride that momentum into tonight's matchup. Look for the Golden Eagles to soar to victory over a tough UAB squad.