Clemson Must Shoot Better from Three in Tigers Big Road Test
Through the first four minutes of the Tigers big road test against the Hokies, both teams struggle to score. Alex Hemenway’s absence could prove crucial as Clemson shot just 30 percent from three against NC State. The two teams combine to shoot 6-26 through the first two television timeouts.
Virginia Tech may have an early advantage at the foul line as Clemson commits six early fouls. Chase Hunter’s two early fouls are the biggest concern for the Tigers early. Virginia Tech shoots one and one for the last 10:25 of the first half.
Still the Tigers play tough defense, holding the Hokies to 5-19 at the 8:27 mark. Clemson leads 21-14 thanks to the surprising contribution of RJ Godfrey with seven points. Darius Maddox leads the Hokies with five. Virginia Tech warms up with him and cuts the lead to three.
Tigers Must Keep Up Defensive Intensity and Stay Out of Foul Trouble
Both teams warm up from three as key Clemson players continue to pick up fouls. PJ Hall now has two with 5:01 left in the first half. Just 16 seconds later Godfrey picks up his third. The Hokies fail to take advantage. making just 4-7 free throws.
Clemson leads 29-27 at the last dead ball timeout of the half, despite eight turnovers. Hunter Tyson’s 1-8 shooting, 0-6 also must concern the Tigers. A three from Tech’s Grant Basile gives Tech a one point lead. Darius Maddux caps a 9-0 run at the end of the half for the Hokies with a two before the buzzer. His 11 points make him the only player in double figures. They lead despite Sean Pedulla shooting just 1-8 with only one rebound.
Can Tyson and Hunter help lead the Tigers to a 4-0 start in the ACC?
For Clemson to start 4-0 in the ACC since the 1996-97 season both Tyson and Hunter need to contribute. Hunter misses a three, and Pedulla hits his second straight shot to put the Hokies up five, 37-32. He hits his third consecutive shot, and second straight three to get into double figures.
12 turnovers now for Clemson leading to the first dead ball timeout of the second half. Clemson trails by just three, 42-39, despite taking 11 fewer shots due to the turnovers. Hunter’s four early points, along with Hall’s five are the early encouraging signs offensively.
Tyson ties the game twice with two straight threes for him. The game remains tied after Mylyjael Poteat blocks Brevin Galloway’s layup. On Clemson’s next possession Hall picks up his third foul as Basile takes the charge. Godfrey hits his first ever three to give Clemson the lead back, 50-47. It gives him 10 points.
Can Clemson Finish Despite Fouls and Turnovers?
Clemson leads 57-49, as Brevin Galloway breaks into double figures with 11. Tyson makes his third three of the second half, giving him 11 as well. Clemson’s three turnovers through the first twelve minutes are a key reason why they have seized the lead.
Tech now commits a sloppy turnover, giving them 10 for the game. Clemson’s committed seven second half fouls. Godfrey and Hall’s four fouls apiece must concern Head Coach Brad Brownell. Godfrey fouls out with 5:44 left, bringing Hall back into the game.
Tech now takes lead back thanks to two Basile free throws, 58-57. Hall hits a huge shot, ending a string of seven consecutive misses. The rim shrinks for Tech as well, but the Hokies have had a tough night from the field, shooting just 19-57 for the game.
Down to the Wire in a Huge Road Game for Tigers
Hunter breaks into double figures, the fifth Clemson player to do so, with a two free throws and a steal and dunk. Clemson can not extend the lead and two Justyn Mutts free throws cut the lead to one, 63-62. Hunter and Tyson push the lead to five with four straight free throws.
Pedulla hits his fourth three, as a quick move causes Beadle to fall down. Beadle hits one of two free throws, and Pedulla cannot make a three with two seconds left. Clemson gets its second road win in ACC play, and now has a chance to claim first place outright, if they can win at Pitt Saturday.
Clemson found a way to win despite allowing 12 offensive rebounds to the Hokies. Overall Tech out rebounded the Tigers 42-36. The Hokies failed to capitalize, shooting just 21-67 from the field. Clemson’s trademark under Brownell, their defense, gives the team their best ACC start in 26 years. Despite Hemenway’s absence the Tigers shot 39.1%, 9-23, from three.
A win Saturday and Clemson could be 6-0 before Duke travels to Littlejohn on the 14th. Clemson plays a 2-13 Louisville team at home next Wednesday. Continuing to win in conference play helps erase some two bad losses, to Loyola-Chicago and South Carolina, and makes a NCAA bid appear far more realistic.
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