The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
Southern Miss.
UAB Rallies Past Southern Miss, 83-75
1/5/2005 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Jan. 5, 2005
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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) - Donell Taylor scored 27 points and Demario Eddins sparked a second half rally, leading UAB to an 83-75 comeback victory Wednesday night over Southern Miss in their Conference USA opener.
Donell Taylor had a career scoring high and his twin brother, Ronell Taylor, added 18 points. But Eddins scored 10 points early in the second half to drive UAB (11-3, 1-0).
The Blazers trailed by as many as 16 points in the first half. But they shot 62.5 percent from the field in the second half to overcome a Southern Miss 45-36 halftime lead.
"Anytime you get in conference play, it's a different mindset," UAB head coach Mike Anderson said. "There's a sense of urgency when you get to conference play, but I'm proud of our guys. Quite a few guys stepped up for us tonight. I thought Demario (Eddins) played really well in the second half. Donell (Taylor) had another career high. He's playing outstanding basketball right now. And I think tonight was twins night because Ronell (Taylor) came in and gave us some big minutes off the bench too, especially in the second half."
Michael Ford scored 18 points and Rashaad Carruth added 17 to lead the Golden Eagles (9-4, 0-2). Jasper Johnson added 12 points, Jarekus Singleton had 11, and Jason Forte 10.
UAB used its height advantage to take control in the second half. Eddins penetrated inside to score four times early in the period, as the Blazer went on a 10-0 spurt. Derrick Broom hit a 3-pointer to put UAB in front 52-50, the Blazers' first lead since the opening basket of the game. They stayed in front the rest of the way.
"Derrick Broom came in and gave us a big lift off the bench and then Marvett (McDonald) hits a shot," Anderson said. "It was important to cut the lead to nine at the half and in the second half, our defensive intensity really picked up. They scored 45 points in the first half and only 30 in the second half. A combination of our defensive intensity and pressure defense and the wear and tear and we got into a groove and made some shots. We were very fortunate to win the ball game."
UAB led by as many as nine in the second half. The Blazers overcame a 39-24 USM advantage on the boards and 51.8-percent Golden Eagle shooting with eight three-pointers and 21 forced turnovers.
In addition to his career night in points, Donell Taylor swiped six steals and had five assists and seven rebounds on the night.
UAB next travels to Tampa to take on USF. The Bulls were one-point, 72-71, winners at East Carolina Wednesday night in their C-USA opener. Tipoff in the Sun Dome Saturday is set for 1 p.m. ET/noon CT. The game will air live on ESPN Plus and on the Blazer Sports Network which is heard in Birmingham on WDJC, 101.1 FM.
