Clemson Snaps 13-game Losing Streak Against No. 22 Maryland, 88-73

Feb. 1, 2005

By PETE IACOBELLIAP Sports Writer

CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) – Sharrod Ford tied his career high with 25 points and Clemson snapped a 13-game losing streak against No. 22 Maryland with an 88-73 victory on Tuesday night.

The Tigers (11-10, 2-7 Atlantic Coast Conference) hadn’t beaten the Terps since a 78-65 overtime win at Littlejohn Coliseum on Dec. 4, 1997. And this figured to end like the others with Maryland back in the Top 25 after victories over Duke and Georgia Tech last week.

But the Terrapins (13-6, 4-4) started the game cold and stayed that way.

They fell behind 13-2 and, after briefly moving in front 23-22 midway through the opening half, missed their final 13 shots of the half to fall behind 45-29.

Ford and the Tigers, who had lost five straight and seven of eight, made sure Maryland wouldn’t recover.

Ford scored nine points during the Tigers’ run to close the first half, then made four straight inside baskets as Clemson pushed the lead to 62-42.

Maryland never got closer than 15 points the rest of the way.

Nothing the Terps did worked. Forwards Travis Garrison and Ekene Ibekwe, who average just under 20 points and 14 rebounds combined, both ran into foul problems trying to stop Ford. They managed only 10 points and six boards before each fouled out early in the second half.

Nik Caner-Medley, Maryland’s leading scorer coming in, never found his rhythm, going 4-of-14 from the field (1-of-6 on 3s) and had nine points

All Maryland coach Gary Williams could do was stomp, scream and watch as Clemson finished with its most points in an ACC game this season.

When it was over, Clemson fans rushed the court and danced on the tiger paw logo to celebrate.

Ford’s layup with 7:21 to go tied his best-ever output, set against Wofford last season. He also added 10 rebounds, his third straight double-double. Ford, a senior, had two blocks and two steals.

Shawan Robinson had five of Clemson’s seven 3-pointers and ended with 22 points. Freshman Sam Perry, who made his first start of the season, had a career-high 14 points for the Tigers.

John Gilchrist led Maryland with 18 points, 12 on free throws.