BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — Freshman Nate Darling came off the bench to hit six 3-pointers and score a career-high 20 points as UAB swamped Southern Miss 87-43 on Saturday night.

Darling has played in 19 games this season, started only one, and was averaging 2.8 points per game. He got a chance to shine Saturday as the Blazers were without starting guard Hakeem Baxter.

Baxter was suspended for his role in a brawl during Thursday’s win over Louisiana Tech.

“Nate has played this good in practice, you guys just don’t see it,” UAB coach Robert Ehsan said. “He has really played this well, consistently, in practice. I think, from a coaching staff, we’ve kind of been waiting for this to come out. Tonight, due to our circumstance, he got more minutes, got more opportunity and he took advantage of it. I’m hoping this can carry on into the future.”

Javien Williams added 13 points, William Lee added 10 with eight rebounds, and Deion Lavender scored 10 with seven assists for the Blazers (14-8, 7-2 Conference USA), who won their 22nd straight home conference game.

Southern Miss shot 23 percent from the field (13-of-56) and was 0-for-17 from 3-point range.
Cortez Edwards led Southern Miss (6-15, 3-6) with 11 points. He was the only Eagle in double figures.

Former Vicksburg High star D’Angelo Richardson had two points, four rebounds and three assists in 20 minutes off the bench.