Clemson Falls To No. 17 Maryland, 104-92

Jan. 2, 2001

By PETE IACOBELLI AP Sports Writer

CLEMSON, S.C. – Terence Morris scored 18 of his 26 points in the second half and No. 17 Maryland won its ninth straight game Tuesday night, pulling away from Clemson over the final five minutes for a 104-92 victory to open the Atlantic Coast Conference season.

Morris was 3-of-7 from the field in the first half, but heated up after the break. His 3-pointer and two foul shots finished an 8-0 run that put Maryland (10-3) ahead to stay, 79-73.

Lonny Baxter added 24 points and Juan Dixon had 22 as the Terrapins reached 100 points for the fourth straight game.

Baxter had 15 of Maryland’s first 21 points and it looked like the Terps would easily win their sixth straight over the Tigers (9-5).

But Clemson got back in it behind Will Solomon, the league’s top scorer who finished with 32 points.

Solomon’s sixth 3-pointer gave the Tigers their last lead, 73-71, with 14:05 remaining. Solomon, though, scored just three more points in the game as Maryland took control.

Solomon’s last basket drew Clemson to 83-82 with 9:26 left, but Dixon fed Byron Mouton for a quick basket and Mouton followed with a 3-pointer.

Clemson’s first lead came at 67-65 after Solomon’s consecutive 3s and a long-range basket by freshman Dwon Clifton, who was making his first start of the season.

But Baxter answered immediately with a three-point play to regain the lead for Maryland.

Dixon had 18 points and Baxter added 17 as the Terrapins took a 59-56 halftime lead. Solomon led all scorers in the first half with 19 points.