Drake’s 21 points leads Alabama-Birmingham past South Alabama 72-54

Drake’s 21 helps UAB rout South Alabama 72-54

MOBILE, Ala. — George Drake scored 21 points and made four 3-pointers to help Alabama-Birmingham rout South Alabama 72-54 on Saturday, the Blazers’ ninth consecutive win.

Drake scored eight quick points to help UAB (10-1) open the second half on a 10-0 run and take a 38-26 lead. The Jaguars (8-4) closed to within eight with 8 minutes left, but UAB answered with 11 straight points.

Elijah Millsap had 10 points and his second straight 15-rebound game for the Blazers, who held a 41-28 edge on the boards. Jamarr Sanders scored 13 and Aaron Johnson had seven points and eight assists.

Allyn Cooks led South Alabama with 11 points and Bryan Sherrer added nine points and six assists.

It was the first game of South Alabama’s Coors Classic.

The Blazers were coming off a 17-point win over No. 25 Cincinnati.