Here is the latest Alabama sports news from The Associated Press

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Rod Rucker scored 26 points and Jordan Swing had 23 points and 10 rebounds as Alabama-Birmingham defeated Tulane 76-71 Wednesday night in a Conference USA game. Swing also had nine assists for the Blazers, who shot 58.5 percent from the field, including 66.7 percent in the second half.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Four Alabama players have been dismissed from the team following their arrests after two robberies on campus. Alabama coach Nick Saban said Wednesday that linebackers D.J. Pettway and Tyler Hayes, safety Eddie Williams and H-back Brent Calloway "are no longer associated with the football program."

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Al Horford scored 34 points, while Josh Smith added 24 points to help the Atlanta Hawks hold off a fourth-quarter rally by the Utah Jazz and claim a 102-91 victory Wednesday night. Al Jefferson led Utah with 26 points.

LAKELAND, Fla. (AP) — Tim Hudson allowed a long home run to Prince Fielder, but Juan Francisco's three-run shot off Rick Porcello helped the Atlanta Braves to a 5-3 victory Wednesday. Hudson pitched three innings and yielded two runs and two hits. He said afterward he feels he is on target to meeting his opening-day goals.