GULFPORT, Miss. (AP) -Josimar Ayarza scored 16 points to lead four Southern Mississippi players in double figures in a 78-58 win over New Orleans on Monday night.

Gary Flowers scored 11 points and blocked seven shots for the Golden Eagles (8-1), who are off to their best start since an 8-1 beginning to the 2006 season.

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Angelo Johnson added 15 points and Maurice Bolden had 13 for Southern Miss in the South Mississippi Christmas Classic.

The Privateers (5-6) shot just 29.6 percent from the field in the first half (8 of 27) and trailed 33-25 at halftime.

The Golden Eagles edged New Orleans 39-37 in rebounds and didn't trail in the second half.

New Orleans was led by Charles Carmouche with 17 points. The Privateers were just 3 of 21 from 3-point range and trailed by as many as 23 points in the second half.

North Florida defeated Canisius 65-61 in the early game.