LaShay Page scored 29 points as Southern Mississippi won its ninth straight game Saturday, pulling away from McNeese State late in the first half for a 65-56 victory.
The Golden Eagles (13-2) never trailed, although the score was tied three times early. Leading 20-19 with 4:11 left until halftime, Southern Miss went on a 12-3 run.
The Golden Eagles then held on despite shooting only 20 percent from the field in the second half (5 of 25), including 0 of 7 3-pointers. Southern Miss scored more second-half points from the free-throw line, hitting 23 of 27.
A layup by Rudy Turner got the Cowboys (4-8) within four, at 52-48 with 3:58 remaining, but they could get no closer. The Golden Eagles made 9 of 10 free throws in the last 2 minutes.
Turner led McNeese State with 22 points and 18 rebounds, both season highs, and had 11 offensive boards.
