Wilkerson gets 28 points, 10 rebounds to lead Marshall to 81-74 victory over UAB

Wilkerson scores 28, lifts Marshall over UAB 81-74

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Tyler Wilkerson scored a career-high 28 points and had 10 rebounds as Marshall defeated Alabama-Birmingham 81-74 on Saturday night.

The Thundering Herd (18-7, 6-4 Conference USA) opened the second half with a 16-6 run to take their biggest lead of the game, 45-32, with 12:56 remaining. Dago Pena had eight points during the run, including a pair of 3-pointers.

A 23-11 run by the Blazers (19-5, 7-3) cut the lead to 56-55 with 7:08 remaining, but Marshall responded with an 8-1 run, capped by a Wilkerson field goal.

The teams combined for 44 fouls and 66 free throws, with Marshall making 30 of 36, including 13-for-15 by Wilkerson.

Damier Pitts added 11 points for Marshall, and Pena and Hassan Whiteside scored 10 apiece.

Howard Crawford scored 16 points and Aaron Johnson 14 to lead five UAB players in double figures.