Feb. 27, 2008

HOUSTON (AP) - Robert McKiver scored 52 points, including 21 off 3-pointers, to lead Houston to a 95-67 victory over Southern Mississippi Wednesday night.

McKiver's total broke a Hofheinz Pavilion record of 44 points set by Larry Bird for Indiana in an NIT game on March 9, 1977. McKiver shot 17-of-34 from the field, including 7-of-17 from 3-point range. He also hit 11-of-12 free throws.

Marcus Malone added 17 points and Kelvin Lewis had 11 for the Cougars (21-6, 10-3 Conference USA). Tafari Toney had 12 rebounds for Houston.

Craig Craft came off the bench to lead Southern Miss (15-12, 7-6) with 16 points. Courtney Beasley and Andre Stephens each had 14 points.

The Cougars used a 17-6 run, including 16 straight points by McKiver, to take a 26-13 lead midway through the first half.