MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- K.J. Lawson scored 16 points, including a layup with 20 seconds to go for a three-point lead, and Memphis beat Southern 72-67 on Tuesday night.

Lawson made 1 of 2 free throws for a 68-62 lead with 1:30 left. But Adrian Rodgers answered with a reverse layup and after a Memphis turnover, Trelun Banks made an inside shot to pull to 68-66.

After another Memphis turnover, Jarred Sam grabbed a rebound off his own miss, was fouled and hit one free throw to make it 68-67 with 26.2 seconds left. Lawson made his layup early in the shot clock and Banks tried to draw a foul on a deep 3-pointer but didn't get the call.

Trahson Burrell had 15 points and eight rebounds for Memphis (7-2). Dedric Lawson added 11 points and 10 rebounds, and Ricky Tarrant Jr. had 11 points, six rebounds, four assists and four steals.

Sam led Southern (7-3) with 26 points and 12 rebounds.