Clemson Falls To No. 13 Virginia Saturday

Jan. 27, 2001

By PETE IACOBELLI AP Sports Writer

CLEMSON, S.C. – Chris Williams had 22 points and No. 13 Virginia held Atlantic Coast Conference scoring leader Will Solomon to his lowest total of the season in a 104-76 victory Saturday.

Williams had 12 points in the opening half as the Cavaliers (14-4, 3-4 ACC) ran out to a 24-point lead in the first 15 minutes. He had consecutive 3-pointers to start a 34-10 run and carry Virginia to its third win its last five games.

The Cavaliers made sure to pay extra attention to Solomon, who set his career high of 43 against them here last season and scored 41 for the Tigers (10-10, 1-6) in their loss to Georgia Tech this past Wednesday.

Solomon missed his first six shots, was 1-for-10 for the first half and 2-for-14 overall. He scored 10 points – 13 fewer than his average – to barely continue his 49-game streak of double-figure scoring.

Freshman Chris Hobbs led Clemson with 28 points and nine rebounds.

Donald Hand added 20 points for Virginia, which had four players hit for double figures. The team made a season-best 12 3-pointers, eclipsing its previous mark of 11 set against Florida State in an 89-71 victory Jan. 16.

Travis Watson had 18 points and Hall added 15 for Virginia.

The Cavaliers’ fifth victory over Clemson in their past six meetings became a laugher early on.

After Tony Stockman’s 3-pointer drew the Tigers to 21-12, they went almost seven minutes without a point.

Williams had three-point play that increased the lead to 26-12. His inside bucket gave the Cavs a 38-16 lead and his two foul shots with 17 seconds to go made it 47-28 at the half.

Clarke Bynum, the former Clemson player whose actions last month saved a hijacked jetliner from peril, was honored at halftime. He received a presidential commendation from university President Jim Barker.