Clemson drops FSU 77-67 in Littlejohn

One of the best things about last night, beyond the W of course, was the team’s ability to play tough throughout. Every time it looked as FSU was going to claw its way back into the game, the Tigers found a way to move ahead.

The difference in this game: Ball.

Yes. They were falling for Andre, DBook, and DP last night; all of whom scored career highs. Andre Young seems to have found some confidence after a few starts and a return back to Littlejohn. And hopefully, after last night’s 19 pt, 4-5 3FG performance by David Potter, I can go back to referring to him as DP3. In the last two games, Potter is shooting 6-10 3FG.

Andre Young seems to have grown. He was playing strong and tall against the taller FSU team. He was driving the ball, dishing, taking the shots when necessary. With Andre playing like this and a fully healthy Stitt, the Tigers can definitely continue this upswing.

 

Andre "The little Giant" Young vs. Chris Singleton (Greenville News)

Stitt, though, did not 100% last night. He seemed to be playing tentatively. He turned the ball over 3 times without an assist. He might be almost 100% physically, but mentally, he did not seem as sharp, nor focused. He wasn’t moving with his usual focus. It was nice to see him play some meaningful basketball, but he is not back to his pre-injury self. This might be from rust, or other concerns. Either way, just having him on the floor is a plus for Clemson. They need his leadership and dedication on the floor for every game.

And what about little Devin Booker? At times he played with nearly as much polish as his older brother. He is definitely going to continue our inside post play next year. His high light of the game, aside from his career high 14 pts., was the monster dunk over Alabi. He made quick work of the back screen and put it in the basket with authority.

 

Devin Booker Dunk (via Greenville News)

 In fact, Devin outscored Trevor last night. And while some of this can be attributed to the attention Trevor draws to free space for Devin, it certainly will be a point for some gentle brotherly competition for the remainder of the season. The Bookers together scored 27 points. 

Last night the Tigers -or the refs- continued to foul –or whistle fouls- with regularity. Milton Jennings had 4 fouls in 9 minutes. Devin Booker and Jerai Grant also had four fouls, while Potter and Smith had three a piece. FSU had 26 total fouls and Clemson had 22. The fouls in the other ACC games last night are, for what it is worth, as follows:

VT: 19, NCSU: 17; Duke: 16, UNC: 16; GT: 17, UM: 16

 I don't know if it was the ugly, foul-ful basketball, but the stands were empty last night.

Now, the Tigers are back to .500 in the ACC at 5-5. They are in a giant tie in the middle of the ACC and can create some room for themselves in the next  few home games. This is the final home stretch/stand before a few away games and the ACC tournament.

If the Tigers continue to play like they did last night, they can make some noise in the rest of the ACC. Let's hope David Potter and his new haircut continue to hit shots and that Milton Jennings and his newly shorn head keeps passing the ball.

 

Dreadlocks guy loves it (Greenville News)

Go Tigers!