HATTIESBURG, Miss. – Charles Carmouche hit a 3-pointer with 1.2 seconds remaining to give Memphis a 76-75 victory over Southern Mississippi Wednesday.
Memphis (14-4, 3-1 Conference USA) climbed out of an 18-point first-half deficit to claim its 15th straight win in the series, dating back to 2004. Will Barton had 15 points to lead four Memphis players in double figures.
Carmouche's clutch shot capped an entertaining game that featured multiple big shots in the final mintues.
Memphis led 71-66 with 2:51 remaining, but Southern Miss had one rally left, taking a 74-73 lead on R.L. Horton's 15-foot jumper with 16 seconds remaining.
Horton hit one out of two free throws with 5 seconds left to give Southern Miss a 75-73 lead, setting up Memphis' game-winner. Joe Jackson sprinted down the court with the basketball and hit Carmouche in stride at the 3-point line, and the junior's shot was nearly perfect, barely touching the rim and setting off a raucous celebration.
Southern Miss (14-4, 3-2) cruised to a 29-11 lead with 7:43 remaining in the first half, but Memphis brought it to 40-29 on Joe Jackson's 3-pointer at the halftime buzzer.
Gary Flowers led the Golden Eagles with 21 points and Horton added 18.
The loss was crushing for Southern Miss, which was receiving votes in the Associated Press Top 25 poll for the first time in a decade. The Golden Eagles lost despite a 30-8 edge in free-throw attempts and forcing 18 Memphis turnovers.
The Tigers were without starting forward Wesley Witherspoon, who missed his second straight game after being suspended for an "internal matter." Memphis was sloppy, especially early, with 10 turnovers in the first half.
But the Tigers recovered, scoring 47 second-half points.
Chris Crawford scored 12 points and Carmouche added 11 for Memphis. Tarik Black had nine points and eight rebounds.
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.