HOOPSWORLD | Basketball News & NBA Rumors

No. 17 Memphis 85, Tulsa 74: Chris Crawford scored a career-high 30 points as Memphis defeated Tulsa in the Conference USA semifinals on the Golden Hurricane's own court.

Crawford shot 10-of-14 and made a career-high eight 3-pointers for the Tigers (29-4), who will try for their third straight Conference USA tournament title when they meet Southern Miss in Saturday's final. D.J. Stephens added 10 points, 10 rebounds and six blocks after attending his grandmother's funeral service earlier in the day.

Scottie Haralson led Tulsa (17-15) with 25 points and 12 rebounds. Pat Swilling Jr. added 15 points and Shaquille Harrison scored 13 for the Hurricane.

Memphis held a 27-16 advantage and threatened to run away with the game early, but Tulsa closed the half on a 17-7 run to get back into it. The Hurricane took a 35-34 lead on James Woodard's bucket in the first minute of the second half, but Memphis answered with a 7-0 run to regain control.

Crawford followed with consecutive 3-pointers to push Memphis ahead by a 53-42 margin, and the Tigers led by double digits the rest of the way. Crawford's eight 3-pointers set the tournament single-game record.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Geron Johnson scored 14 points, Shaq Goodwin had 12 and Adonis Thomas tallied 11 for the Tigers. ... Antonio Barton returned for Memphis after missing the prior nine games with a hairline fracture in his foot. He played three scoreless minutes. ... Memphis has won 21 straight against Conference USA opponents.