Clemson Wins Second Straight Overtime Game over South Carolina, 87-79

Dec. 3, 2004

Columbia, SC – Clemson turned in its best performance of the young season and snapped a four-game losing streak by defeating arch rival South Carolina for the second consecutive season in overtime, 87-79. The Lady Tigers outscored the Gamecocks 13-5 in the overtime period. Clemson improved to 2-4 with the win, while South Carolina fell to 1-4 overall with the loss.

“I’m really proud of this team,” said Jim Davis, head coach at Clemson. “We’ve gone through some tough losses recently. We have so many newcomers. We certainly needed this emotional win. I have great respect for South Carolina, their coaches, and players.”

Tasha Phillips led Clemson’s best offensive attack of the season with 22 points, including five shots made from behind the three-point line. Also in double figures for Clemson was Julie Talley, who finished with 16 points. Reggie Maddox, the hero in regulation for the Lady Tigers, had a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds. She also had six assists. Amanda White had double digits in scoring with 10 points in the ballgame.

The first half was one of Clemson’s best this season. Nine different Lady Tigers scored, including three players with six points each. The Lady Tigers also controlled the boards in the opening half, 23-18 over South Carolina. Columbia native D’Lesha Lloyd had six points in the first half, including four in the last two minutes.

Julie Talley hit 2-4 in the first half for six points as well. Khaili Sanders contributed defensively for the Lady Tigers, totaling two blocks and two rebounds. Clemson shot 48.3 percent from the field in the first half, by far its best shooting half through six games this season.

A three-pointer at the buzzer by Lea Fabbri proved to be the only Gamecock points since the 3:32 mark of the first half.

In the second half, Lauren Simms and Stacy Booker caught fire for South Carolina. The duo combined for 32 points in the second half in leading the Gamecocks back into the game. Clemson’s Talley also played well in the second half, scoring 10 points. The Gamecocks built a two-point lead with under 10 seconds to play. South Carolina missed some crucial free throws down the stretch, allowing Reggie Maddox to pull up and knock down a jumper with one foot inside the three-point line to send the game into overtime.

In the extra period, the Lady Tigers were a perfect 9-9 from the foul line. Phillips was 4-4 from the line in overtime, while Maddox led the way with five big points in the extra period.

The Lady Tigers return home on Sunday, December 5 to play host to Morehead State of the Ohio Valley Conference. Tip-off is set for 2:00 PM in Littlejohn Coliseum.