CINCINNATI (Ticker) -- Jake Arians kicked a 42-yard field goal in the first overtime as Alabama-Birmingham overcame a stellar effort from running back Robert Cooper for a 24-21 Conference USA victory over Cincinnati.

Alabama-Birmingham (3-3, 2-1 C-USA) held a 21-7 halftime lead before Deontey Kenner hooked up with Cooper on a 56-yard touchdown with 1:56 left in the third quarter.

Cooper's six-yard TD run 2:40 into the fourth quarter capped a nine-play, 78-yard drive and lifted the Bearcats into a 21-21 tie. Cooper rushed 25 times for 174 yards and a pair of scores, in addition to his touchdown reception.

Daniel Dixon completed 20-of-37 passes for 148 yards and one touchdown for the Blazers, who have won three of four after opening the season with two losses. Alabama-Birmingham has won all three meetings with Cincinnati.

Kenner was just 14-of-43 for 236 yards and four interceptions for the Bearcats (2-4, 0-2), who have lost three straight following a stunning upset of Wisconsin on September 18.

Dixon hit Undrae Crosby on a one-yard TD pass early in the second quarter and Carl Fair's three-yard run gave the Bearcats a 14-0 lead.

Adrian Singleton picked off Kenner at his 4-yard line and scooted the length of the field three minutes later for a 21-0 cushion. The Blazers have 15 interceptions this season.

Cooper scored on a 16-yard TD run with 3:41 left in the opening half to get Cincinnati on the board.