Clemson Falls to UAB, 78-66

Dec. 22, 2004

HONOLULU (AP) – Donnell Taylor scored 26 points and his twin brother Ronell Taylor added 13 as Alabama-Birmingham defeated Clemson 78-66 in the first round of the Rainbow Classic on Tuesday night.

Down by five points early in the second half, the Blazers (6-2) rallied with an 18-2 run and a full-court defense that forced turnovers and led to easy layups.

Ernest Little’s basket with 12 minutes left gave UAB a 48-46 lead. Ronell Taylor then stole the inbounds pass for a layup and the Blazers forced a 10-second violation on the next play.

After a free throw by Ronell Taylor, Clemson’s James Mays knocked down two free throws, only to have the Blazers reel off eight straight points. By the time Cliff Hammonds’ two free throws ended the run, the Blazers led 59-50 with 8:19 to go.

Hammonds led the Tigers (7-2) with 22 points, while Sharrod Ford added 16 points and grabbed 13 rebounds. Marvett McDonald and Demario Eddins scored 12 points each for UAB.

Alabama-Birmingham forced 26 turnovers and converted them into 16 points. Clemson outrebounded the Blazers 44 to 22.