ESPN Men's Basketball

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Rod Rucker collected his 10th double-double of the season as Alabama-Birmingham won its fourth straight, defeating Southern Methodist 74-69 Saturday.

Rucker had 21 points and 11 rebounds, including a key layup late. SMU's Nick Russell hit a jumper with 1:48 remaining to pull the Mustangs within 68-67, but Rucker answered with a layup, then he and Jordan Swing combined for four free throws to lock up the win.

The Blazers (15-14, 7-7 Conference USA) trailed 63-61 with 5:48 left when Fahro Alihodzic's layup sparked a 6-0 run for a 67-63 edge.

Ryan Manuel led the Mustangs (14-15, 4-10) with 15 points.

UAB had held opponents under 40 percent shooting in five of its past six halves, but SMU shot 57.7 percent (30 of 52). The Mustangs made just 2 of 9 3-pointers, though, and were dominated 35-25 on rebounds -- the Blazers have edged six straight opponents on the glass.