HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (AP) -Tyler Wilkerson scored 14 points to lead five players in double figures as Marshall defeated Southern Mississippi 76-63 on Tuesday night in the Conference USA opener for both teams.

Shaquille Johnson and Tirrell Baines added 12 points each for the Thundering Herd (12-2), who have won three consecutive games and are off to their best start since going 13-2 in 1999-00.

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Marshall led throughout and opened the second half on an 11-4 run to push its advantage into double figures. Chris Lutz's jumper gave the Thundering Herd a 50-39 lead with 17 minutes left and Wilkerson scored for a 52-39 lead with 15:55 to play.

Southern Miss (9-5) cut the margin to 66-60 with 3:55 left, but Daimer Pitts hit a 3-pointer to push the lead to 69-60 with 3:28 to play.

Pitts finished with 11 and Lutz had 10 for Marshall.

Gary Flowers scored 13 and Maurice Bolden added 11 for Southern Miss.