Clemson Downs Wake Forest, 85-73, On Monday Night

Jan. 14, 2008

WINSTON-SALEM, NC – Christy Brown posted a career high 20 points and Sthefany Thomas added 19 in leading the Clemson women’s basketball team to an 85-73 road victory over Wake Forest on Monday night.

The Lady Tigers (8-10, 1-2 ACC) were 8-of-9 from the foul line in the final 1:10 to secure their first conference win of the year. They shot a season-high 52.5-percent (32-61) from the field for their 85 points, which were the most Clemson has scored this season.

“I thought this was a very hard-fought game,” said Lady Tiger Head Coach Cristy McKinney. “Wake Forest did a good job of making runs and staying in the game, but I’m proud of how our players responded and continued to battle.”

“Both teams shot very well, so we are fortunate to get out of here with a win.”

D’Lesha Lloyd recorded a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds and is now 23rd on the Clemson career scoring list. The senior from Columbia, SC has totaled 938 as a Lady Tiger. She was 7-for-8 on Monday night and converted both of her free throw attempts.

In their most productive first half of the season, the Lady Tigers posted 42 for a one-point edge at the break. Clemson scored on its opening three possessions and led by as many as 12 early in the contest. The Deacs cut margin to just three with nine minutes remaining and tied the game at 32 apiece at the 4:00 mark.

Wake Forest lead by two with just seconds left in the half before Lele Hardy drove up the court to drain a three as time expired for her first field goal of the game.

The Deacs (12-6, 0-4 ACC) drained seven three-point field goals in the first half and finished with 11. Camille Collier hit five and led the team with 20 points in the effort.

Wake Forest quickly jumped back on top in the second half at 47-45 and the score stayed close until seven minutes remained in game. The teams were tied at 64-64 at the 8:00 mark before the Lady Tigers went on an 11-2 run to gain control.

Hardy knocked down her second three of the night to start the run, while Brown, Lloyd and Thomas each hit shots during the stretch as well.

Brown also led the team with five assists, and Thomas tallied four steals in the game.

Clemson will be back in action on Thursday night as the Lady Tigers travel to Blacksburg, VA for a date with the Hokies.