Millsap’s double-double paces Alabama-Birmingham to 75-66 win over Houston

Alabama-Birmingham defeats Houston 75-66

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Elijah Millsap had a double-double with 22 points and 14 rebounds, and Alabama-Birmingham downed Houston 75-66 on Saturday night.

Howard Crawford added 20 points and Aaron Johnson contributed with 10 assists for the Blazers (21-5, 9-3 Conference USA), who won their second game in a row after losing three of their previous four. The Blazers are 11-2 at home.

UAB bolted out to a 22-7 lead but Houston rallied to cut the lead to 34-33 at halftime.

The game was tied four times in the second half before UAB took control. Leading 63-59 with 3:59 to play, the Blazers put the game out of reach with an 11-2 run. Millsap, who made 12 of 16 free throw attempts, capped the run with a free throw for a 74-61 UAB lead with 40 seconds remaining.

Aubrey Coleman scored 20 points, Zamal Nixon had 15 and Maurice McNeil 12 for the Cougars (13-13, 5-7), who have lost two straight.