Boston College Tops UAB in Consolation Match

UAB's Lawrence Kinnard led all scorers with 29 points.

Boston College guard Biko Paris passes the ball off around UAB forward Lawrence Kinnard during the consolation game at Madison Square Garden in New York.(AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)

Nov. 28, 2008

Postgame Quotes

NEW YORK (AP) - Tyrese Rice scored all 24 of his points in the second half, and Boston College rallied to beat UAB 83-77 Friday in the consolation game of the NIT Season Tip-Off.

Rakim Sanders added 16 points, Joe Trapani had 12 and Reggie Jackson 11 for the Eagles (4-2), who trailed 70-66 with about 6 minutes left before Rice hit a 3-pointer that ignited an 11-2 run.

Robert Vaden cut the lead to 77-74 with his basket with 2:10 left, but Sanders scored four quick points to seal it.

Lawrence Kinnard scored a career-high 29 points for UAB (4-2). Vaden added 20 points and Howard Crawford had 10.

It was a rough trip to New York for the Blazers, who lost to No. 11 Oklahoma 77-67 in the semifinals, then had their uniforms stolen from in front of the team's hotel. Replacements were flown in and arrived a few hours before their consolation game.

The Sooners played No. 10 Purdue for the championship.