CLEMSON, S.C. -- Sthefany Thomas scored a game high 16 points to lead Clemson past Furman, 62-53, in women's basketball action Tuesday evening at Littlejohn Coliseum.

Thomas connected on 7-of-15 shots and teamed with Kelia Shelton and Jasmine Tate, who contributed 10 points each, in helping Clemson break a 39-39 deadlock midway through the second half en route the win.

The victory improves Clemson to 4-1 on the season while Furman, which falls to 1-2.

Kendra Berry led Furman with 12 points following, and Raegan Thompson registered 11.  Lakyn Ledford netted 10 points for the Paladins and claimed a team high nine rebounds.

The Paladins trailed 27-22 at intermission but rallied to tie the game at 36-36 on a Ledford layup with 14:50 remaining.

Kirstyn Wright's 3-pointer gave the Tigers a 39-36 advantage but a Ledford layup and free throw knotted it at 39-39 at the 12:04 mark.

Clemson's Shaniqua Pauldo then delivered two layups and a free throw to give the Tigers a 44-39 lead, which they later padded with baskets by Thomas and Shelton for a 50-43 advantage with 6:50 to go.

A Kaitlin Murphy layup pulled the Paladins to within five at 50-45, but Clemson quickly answered with a basket and free throw by Thomas for a 53-45 lead,

Clemson shot 38.3 percent from the field (23x60) and Furman 35.8 percent (19x53)

The Tigers claimed a 42-34 rebounding advantage in the contest.

Furman opens its home season on Saturday when it entertains Presbyterian in a 2:00 p.m. game.