BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Chris Cokley scored 23 points as UAB fended off Jacksonville State 61-55 on Sunday.

Cokley, a sophomore, scored more than 20 points for the second game this season. He scored 13 points after halftime when UAB (3-1) fought for the lead.

Cokley, who also grabbed nine rebounds, hit a jump shot to break a 50-50 tie with 5:22 left to play, and scored on a layup with 55 seconds left, boosting the led to 59-55. He finished shooting 8-for-12 from the floor and was 7-for-7 at the foul line.

The Gamecocks (0-4) led 28-25 at the half on a Malcolm Drumwright jumper. Drumwright and Jeremy Watson each scored 14 points for Jacksonville State and JaQuail Townser added 13 with five assists.

Hakeem Baxter added 12 points for UAB on 5-for-8 shooting. William Lee had four blocked shots and Nick Norton four assists