Tigers Defend Liberty in 78-65 Victory

Dec 28, 2002

ANDERSON, S.C. (AP) – Edward Scott had 16 points and 11 assists as Clemson kept up its best start in seven seasons with a 78-65 victory over Liberty on Saturday.

The Tigers are 8-0, their most successful starting run since they won their first 11 games in 1995-96.

Sharrod Ford added 14 points for Clemson at the Civic Center of Anderson. Ray Henderson and Chey Christie added 11 points apiece for the Tigers.

Liberty (5-5) was led by Jason Sarchet with a game-high 22 points.

But the Flames had no answers for Clemson’s inside game, which won the rebounding battle 41-20. Henderson led the way with seven rebounds, while Scott, Ford and Chris Hobbs had six each.

The Tigers can go 4-0 against members of the Big South Conference – they’ve previously defeated Winthrop and High Point – this year when they meet Coastal Carolina on Tuesday.

Scott’s 11 assists gave him 486 for his career and moved him past Derrick Johnson into third all-time behind Grayson Marshall and Terrell McIntyre. While Scott has a strong chance to catch McIntyre’s second-place total of 577 this season, Marshall’s mark of 857 is likely out of reach.

The Flames quickly fell behind 18-5 on Henderson’s foul shot with 10:27 to go before halftime. They could not catch up.

The Tigers’ lead reach 20 for the first time, 49-29, on Ford’s layup with 14:18 left.

It was not the soundest game Clemson played. The Tigers came in averaging about 11 turnovers a game, but hit that mark in the first half.

However, Liberty shot just 38 percent (22-of-58) for the game against Clemson’s zone.