NEW ORLEANS -- Rod Rucker scored 26 points and Jordan Swing had 23 points and 10 rebounds as Alabama-Birmingham defeated Tulane 76-71 Wednesday night in a Conference USA game.

Swing also had nine assists for the Blazers (14-14, 6-7), who shot 58.5 percent from the field (31 of 53), including 66.7 percent (16 of 24) in the second half.

The Green Wave (18-10, 6-7), led by Ricky Tarrant's 25 points, shot just 33.8 percent (22 of 65) but was able to hang in by scoring 36 points off 18 UAB turnovers. Tulane committed just six turnovers, leading to six UAB points.

Three 3-pointers by Jordan Callahan and two by Jay Hook helped Tulane turn a 52-37 deficit into a 60-56 lead with 5:30 left. UAB answered with a jumper by Quincy Taylor and two 3-pointers by Swing for a 64-60 lead at the 3:41 mark and never trailed again.