CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) — His team on the verge of blowing an opportunity to move into the Top 25, senior K.C. Rivers took charge for Clemson.
Rivers scored 32 points, including his the Tigers' (9-0) first 14 of the second half and nine of its final 11 on Sunday, as the unbeaten Tigers rallied late for an 80-75 victory.
"We were down, we needed a spark," said Rivers, who also had a game-high 11 rebounds. "I was trying to be the one to give us that spark. I was our leader. It was my duty to get the job done."
Liberty freshman Seth Curry, son of former NBA star Dell Curry and brother of Davidson sharpshooter Stephen Curry, scored 24 points for the Flames. Curry made 6 of 9 3-point attempts, but missed his final two shots of the game under heavy defensive pressure.
The Tigers trailed most of the game, finally taking the lead for good at 72-71 on Rivers' 3-point shot with 2:26 left. Rivers added two free throws and a pair of inside baskets down the stretch.
"All year long, he's been our toughness' guy," Clemson coach Oliver Purnell said. "That's him refusing to lose."
The smaller Flames (6-2) led by 12 points after Kyle Ohman's basket with 9:58 left. Trevor Booker added 18 and Terrence Oglesby had 12 for Clemson, which owns road victories at Charlotte and Illinois.
"If we’re not (ranked in today's Top 25), I think it's a major mistake," Purnell said.
Ohman contributed 15 points and Anthony Smith had 12 for Liberty, which made 9 of 19 3-point attempts.
Playing a lineup composed of five guards, including three freshmen, Liberty handled Clemson's full-court pressure with ease while grabbing a 42-35 halftime edge.
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