This season is happening- Clemson loses to FSU 75-69

Holy Stitt!

The Tigers' already thin guard rotation might have just become even thinner. Clemson's leading scorer at 13.8ppg this season might not be leading for the next two weeks.

Demontez Stitt might be out, “I think something loose is irritating it. I’ve been trying to play through the discomfort, had it drained a couple times in the past couple weeks. The inflammation keeps coming back, and I think it’s under the kneecap. We can’t get it drained.” HT orangeandwhite.


I wonder what the now ex-Tigers are thinking about their playing time and eligibility?


So, the moving screen not called by the refs further injured our senior point guard. This season, without sarcasm, snarkiness, or any other similar adjective, draining my optimism. 


The Tigers looked good at times, hitting their outside shots and getting some inside play, but at others, they still looked in disarray. The interior was weak- this coupled with the impending and current apparently systematic winnowing of the guards will make for some serious struggles this season.  What the Tigers could not do is stop FSU. When the Tigers were controlling the game, Hamilton's squad lead by Dulky dropping Dulkys stepped it up and the Tigers could not respond.


I want to see a statistic of the following: Clemson made baskets vs. turnovers after a called timeout. Right now  it seems more turnovers come after TOs than points.


I want to be optimistic. But it is hard and getting more difficult by the day.

Hopefully this next stretch of games will let this year's iteration of the Tigers to gel and to find their place on the team and on the court.
a

12/17/2010 7:00:00 PM	Clemson	Savannah State		Tickets		Live Stats
12/19/2010 5:00:00 PM	Clemson	UNCG	FSSO	Tickets		Live Stats
12/22/2010 7:00:00 PM	College of Charleston	Clemson	FSS
12/27/2010 7:00:00 PM	Clemson	Delaware State		Tickets		Live Stats
12/29/2010 7:00:00 PM	Clemson	East Carolina		Tickets		Live Stats
1/2/2011 4:00:00 PM	Clemson	Citadel		Tickets		Live Stats

The upcoming game at CofC will be a difficult test, but some of the other games, even with the loss of Stitt should (underscored  and emphasized) be winnable.


Go Tigers!

Clemson Tigers Defeat Wofford 78-70

I understand that Wofford is a good team, but last night's 78-70 win was much closer than I, or most who follow Clemson Basketball would have liked.

Wofford is talented enough to beat some good teams. They could have won last night. However, the resilience the team showed in not allowing that to happen was impressive. They saved the ACC from even more ridicule. With GT's loss to Kennesaw St and Wake's loss to Stetson and narrow escape against Hampton, it seems the bottom of the ACC is low and the top is high. This might alleviate some of the standard middling logjam that occurs yearly, unless those teams get their act together.

Per last night's game, our offense is starting to take shape, but the defense, at least in the two previous games is taking a back seat. The conscientiously improved FT% will keep us in close games, if we continue. But, when the senior leader point guard has but TWO assists in three games (pre-season included) something is awry. Yes, the three guard lineup opens up options, lanes, etc, but two assists, three turnovers, and seven fouls in two games for the senior leader is definitely underwhelming. Just as was the crowd.

If Jerai dunks on a dude from Wofford and no one is there to see it, does it really count? (Image via Tigernet)

Actual caption from Tigernet: "Jerai Grant brings the crowd to its feet with a big dunk."

Also from Tigernet, voice of Clemson Tiger fans, a .wma post game interview with BRIAN Brownell. Nice scoop tigernet.

Here's an early statistic, but how much difference has a year made for Milton Jennings? Look at this.

If nothing else, this has to help his confidence. Milt apparently just did not fit into OP's system. Let's hope this progress continues.

Now it is on off to the US Virgin Islands for the Paradise Jam, where the Tigers open against the Long Beach State, though they call themselves "The Beach" 49ers. How quaint.

The season is go.

Go Tigers!

Clemson grinds it out at home, moves to 4-4 in the ACC

The OP Stat of the Game: Jerai Grant 18 pts., 12 reb, 5 blocks

Given the following, I would have been less than optimistic, and truthfully would have have expected a solid loss.
1. Stitt not playing
2. D. Booker broken nose
3. T. Booker Flu
4. Lost three in a row
in-game play
5. 31.9% shooting
6. Trevor Booker 2-16 shooting, no FGs until late in the game

But, the Tigers surprised me, Maryland, and maybe themselves.

They started strong, were able to resist the comeback, and continued to play strong defense.
Defense and rebounding are what won the game last night. The Tigers pressed, played zone, pack it in the paint, and made MD work for every basket. And while they out-shot the Tigers based on %, the Terps took 17 fewer shots. This is because of the eye for the basketball the Tigers had tonight. They rebounded well, winning on the boards 46-41.

Andre Young, hopefully, has played through his nerves. If he plays like he did tonight when Stitt comes back and Trevor Booker returns to form, he might be the third person we need to spread the team offense. 

I really thought, after the steal, then big dunk by Milton Jennings, that tonight was going to be it. I was wrong. Maybe he is just ballin' in practice. Who knows? But we need him to develop some muscle and court vision. I don't know if he is playing out of his position or what. Noel Johnson, once his shot falls, will be solid. They have both been working on their defense, as has the entire team.

Of the defense last night, OP said, " I thought our team did a good job of adjusting to who we are. If we continue to rebound and defend like that, we’ll be awfully good. We have to be a better defensive team than we had been coming into tonight. We came up with some big plays in the second half to preserve the win. You have to guard to have a chance to win the game, and we were an excellent defensive team tonight."

Gary Williams agreed,"Clemson’s defense was good tonight. We just got out-rebounded. Neither team shot the ball well and offensive rebounding was a factor. They turned the ball over less than we did. Clemson just played hard and rallied without Stitt."

Of course, Gary Williams appreciates what a solid PG brings to the floor, unlike say, Vasquez, who questioned Stitt's ability before the game. And not to turn this into an anti-vasquez post, but that guy sucks. He is everything that is wrong with Maryland basketball. I dislike him on a level beyond that of a Duke or UNC player. That level of hatred connects to ability and circumstance. If Clemson had many of the past or current Duke/UNC players, I would have probably liked, no loved them. For Vasquez, I would rather Shyatt still be the coach than to have him on the team- enough.

Next up is a mini-break before an away game against VT in Blackburg on Saturday, 2/6.

Nice win Tigers. Time to get healthy. Time to start the second half of the ACC season.

Go Tigers!

Clemson Basketball: Big win vs. UNC, Big step forward for the program

The OP stat of the game: W 83-64

(from The Big Lead)

Now for some celebratory morning links:
Andy Katz- Don't disocunt Clemson's win
ACC Now- Roy's Unlucky Tie?
Raleigh News&Observer- Stitt, Booker lead Clemson over North Carolina notice the subtle verb
Greenville News- Tigers run down Heels
Can Clemson turn win against Heels into something that lasts?
USAToday-No 19 Clemson snaps 10 game losing streak to No.13 UNC
The State- Tigers run over the Tarheels
UNC player and coach quotes regarding the game

Vegas even expected the Tigers to win with the line moving between 6.5 and 7 before the game. However, I don't think anyone, even the team expected such a resounding victory.

From the outset of the game, the Tigers established themselves as the aggressors. They kept the pressure on throughout the game and found what had been missing, the heavy foot pressing down on the accelerator and a mental toughness that has been absent.

Maybe it started before the game in tents on the lawn outside Littlejohn.
Maybe it started on the street during theUNC crash.
Maybe it started with the loss to Illinois, as Andy Katz suggested.
Maybe it has been going on all along with the 0-for Chapel Hill, the 0-vs. UNV for T. Booker's career.
Maybe it is that argyle running down the UNC jerseys.

Maybe it is all of these things. Whatever it is, the win last night was huge. Not just in terms of the score, 83-64. Not just in terms of the color and volume of Roy's tie.

(Raleigh News & Observer)

Roy's reaction to the game:

"I just coached a poor game tonight. They had a tremendous sense of urgency and tremendous passion. We went down 7-0 and I almost called a timeout and I have never done that in my life. We turned the ball over 15 times, had two veterans that couldn't pass and catch. There is no reason but to say that the head coach did a poor job.

"We need to have a better sense of urgency and poise. It was the veterans tonight that had trouble. I want to congratulate Clemson and Oliver Purnell. We came in and wanted to do a good job on Booker and Stitt tonight and they both had 11 in the first half. It all just goes back to the head coach."

"Clemson showed what aggressive means. They had a great sense of urgency and poise and we need to play with that type of aggression and poise. I know that I keep saying the same thing, but I just don't have a lot to say." 

It is not the same indictment that Coach K made when Duke lost last year in Littlejohn, but isn't too far off either.

 OP tells the team to Sack it up. (Go Upstate)

OP had the team ready last night. And the win will hopefully do wonders for our seemingly slipping toughness.
But now, "It's always satisfying when you beat a Duke or a North Carolina or any team like that with a storied program, but I don't look at it that way. This is an early ACC win, which is good for our team, but you don't see me smiling yet." - Oliver Purnell. 

Not even just a little? 

Enjoy it for the rest of the day. Its back to work for a Saturday, 12pm tip-off in a newly confident NCSU team.


Go Tigers!

Clemson Basketball Throttles UNC

The OP Stat of the Game: 1 Car Crash

That is where it all started going down hill for the Tarheels.
The player(s) of the game:  Stitt and T. Booker. Stitt 20 pts, 4 ast. Booker 21 pts, 9 reb, 4 ast, 2 stl. These lines, with the contributions of other team members could beat most anyone in the ACC.

Despite being out-rebounded, the Tigers handled the taller Tarheels with, of all things, their speed. Stitt and Booker both played with a purpose and drive they had not shown for some time.

T. Booker played like this was an NBA draft camp. He demonstrated and dominated the highly touted UNC frontcourt. Ed Davis, Deon Thompson, the Wears, etc.

Some of the UNC fans tried to play down the Clemson win and poked fun at the Clemson fans rushing the court in favor of the overall record. This of course is ridiculous. The very usage of Twitter by fans, including myself, negates the existence and reliance on history. We need the NOW.

And now, UNC lost and lost BIG. They were out-played, out-hustled, out-performed on all levels. While the Charleston game could be seen as a fluke, this win for the Tigers is not. They exploited all of UNC's weaknesses.

OP did a masterful job of playing to our team's strengths and against their weaknesses. It also helped that the Tigers were hitting their 3pg, at least in the first half.

Because the opponent was UNC, the Tigers were jacked. They were ready and took advantage of a weak, tired, and injured UNC team. Nonetheless, UNC played without enthusiasm. Roy pulled all five starters on more than one occasion. This combined with killer mentality that Clemson has lacked for- I don't know- the past 3-5 years, made this game different.

Should the Tigers be able to keep this mentality, seal the deal, finish hard/strong, they have a tremendous upside, potential, and hope for March.

Now we get to see what happens when they arrive in Raleigh. NCSU just beat a ranked FSU team, so they will be ready and wary. Let's hope the Tigers don't spend too much time celebrating before Saturday's 12pm game.

More analysis to come.

Go Tigers!

Clemson lays another Cameron Dud

The OP Stat of the Game: 12 first half points- 12

So there it is. That's the summation of last night's game. The first half.

Yes, Duke played strong defense and caused us to spread the court and move out of our offensive comfort zone, but I don't think we would have done much better if they had played no defense at all.


The Tigers were cold. They couldn't make a metaphor or cliche with all the words in the dictionary.

Our Shooting % was abysmal. You can choose to blame it on the refs and their love of allowing Duke to draw charges, but that is a weak argument at best. The answer is much more simple and less conspiratorial: Hit more shots.

The freshmen played like freshmen. The seniors, juniors, and everyone else, however, didn't play much better. Stitt and Grant provided us with some strong play. But, if the first minutes of the second half could be bottled, or emulated, or even approximated throughout a game, the Tigers would have been, and would be, in a much better position. It was nice to see OP make some changes at the half, rather than just let it be and stick to the scheme, but those changes have to be fluid.

Concerning the depth of this team, we were wallowing in the shallow end last night. Duke played and plays a small rotation, it was effective for them. Maybe our team would be play with some energy if they could stay in the game longer than a minute or two continuously. I am not suggesting Singler/Scheyer-type minutes for everyone on the team, but at least continuous minutes for some of the players.

More than anything, we missed leadership last night. Some will want to say we miss the outside shot, but that is secondary. We need someone to step up and lead- Stitt is beginning to do that, but with this being "(T) Booker's Team," that will be difficult for him. Booker needs to play hard for forty minutes. This leading by doing and not saying didn't work well for KC Rivers and thus far is not working well for Booker.

Uncle Cliff where are you now? That's right, Cliff Hammonds, modern day Prometheus. With Cliff Hammonds, or any comprable, capable leader, we would be in a much stronger position and feel much more positive about last night's game about any loss for that matter, because we would know that the team gave its all. Tanner Smith has some of that fire, and Stitt shows it at times, but others are playing without that.

Fire!

Go Tigers!

Clemson Basketball survives Butler 70-69

The OP Stat of the Game: Stitt 2-4 FT shooting

Stitt gets loose (CBSSports)

Of course, it helps that the two made FTs occurred in the final seconds of the game.

Last nights' tense win provided some relief after the SC game hangover as, the Tigers showed more heart and determination than- well in a long time.

From the outset, it seemed they would roll over, quit, and perform and encore of the Texas A&M loss, which in hindsight after Texas A&M’s win over Minnesota doesn’t look as bad. Nonetheless, Trevor Booker stepped it up in the endgame. He had been pounding and getting pounded inside all game. A cheap make-up call after a non-foul call with about 2:00 minutes left on Booker, seemed to set a fire under him and he moved like he hadn’t all game. He wasn’t playing with frustration, but rather with purpose and drive. It was because of the play of Stitt and Booker that last night’s win occurred.

Of Booker, OP said, "I was worried if was going to make in through the first half at one point," Clemson coach Oliver Purnell said. "Trevor said he was feeling weak so I just tried to nurse him. I think his competitive juices really started to kick in."

Tanner Smith continued his solid tournament play with 8 points. Andre Young again impressed with a 12 points on 4-6 3pg. Potter, while not as hot as he has been, turned in a respectable 8 points. Milton Jennings demonstrated his ability, but is showing some growing pains. He will develop.

While Booker locked down on defense, Stitt sealed the deal offensively with a drive toward the basket with 5 seconds remaining. He was fouled with 3.3 remaining, Tigers down by two. Stitt, who apparently has decided to drive, dish, and score after starting the season with lukewarm play, made both FT to put the Tigers ahead by one. The ensuing in-bounds play was a long pass, followed a block shot that sent the ball out-of-bounds on the left side by Trevor as time expired. An official review showed .5 seconds left. The side in-bounds pass was knocked away by Booker, and the Tigers won.

I usually don’t include near complete narrative recaps of events, but last nights’ final seconds showed more about this team than the LBST win following the Texas A&M loss; it showed this team has a will and determination that many of the previous teams did not. Hopefully, this drive is channeled and captured for the remaining of the season and into March.

Per the game, Butler, like LBST, was able to break and breakdown the press. While I don't know if the win was a result of the cumulative effect OP talks about or not, it was nice to see the team adjust a little on defense. Still they need to rotate, help on the weakside, and protect the baseline. Butler lived on rotation and we were a step behind on many of their shots.

Solid win Tigers!

Tourament Grades:

Stitt: B+; for resilience and stick-to-tiveness

T. Booker: B; lacking some consistency in his desire and drive.

Smith: A, he plays with hustle and desire on every play.

Narcisse: B, he came out of nowhere and played with raw energy.

Young: B+, I think our best team is on the floor when he is out there.

Grant: C, even with 105 degree fever, MJ ruined it for all sick athletes.

Jennings: C+, showed nice development, needs to be more comfortable during the game.

D. Booker: B-, has some skills, needs to keep them under control.

Noel Johnson: C, played limited minutes, but needs to seize those opportunities.

Baicu, Baize, Petrokunis, Hill: INC, need to see more floortime in order to make a sound judgement, thanks for making the trip.

Up next, Illinois

Go Tigers!

Tigers can't close the deal against Wake

The OP Stat of the Game: Demontez Stitt 21 points, 3 ast, 3 stl

So it is. The Tigers close the regular season with a loss. Last night's game is a microcosm of the season thus far.

Season: started 18-0
Game: started slow, built up an 10 point lead

Season: 2 back-to-back losses
Game: finished 1st half with a respectable 4 point lead, despite defensive collapse at the end of the half.

Season: 4-5 last nine games, including a blow-out win over Duke
Game: stayed in the game until the final stretch, Wake pulled away for the win 96-88.

The Tigers were winning when they were the aggressors, but lost because they did not sustain the aggression- offensively or defensively. Case in point: FTs. Wake shot 24, Clemson shot 15. I don't think this is entirely because of officiating or blown calls- the refs seemed to make up for those almost immediately after so doing- but rather, our inability to push the ball inside, drive the lanes, and make shots. Which, on the other hand, is exactly what Wake was able to do.

Wake hit nearly 60% of their shots, and was shooting even higher than that for the second half. The Tigers couldn't do everything that needed to be done. Had the inside presence been stronger and TO been on, it would have been a different.

Nonetheless, Stitt played well. KC kept us in the game and even our bench: Young, Grant, and Smith provided some solid minutes. Notably absent after his strong senior day performance was Sykes. He was a non-factor offensively and defensively. Much of this is because of Wake's size, but we needed more from him last night.

The final game was a disappointing end to a captivating, exciting regular season. Hopefully the excitement this team has generated spreads among the Clemson fanbase into the postseason this year and beyond.

Read what the real news says about the Wake game:
Clemson falls to Wake Forest
Some Greenville News Commentary
Tigers come up short in Tall Task
Clemson Basketball Buzz
Tigers fall to Wake, limp into post season
Now, it is off to Atlanta to play GT in the ACC tournament as a 5 seed.
Here's the official .pdf bracket. We play at 2pm on Thursday.

Powers Out!

Go Tigers!

Tigers lose at home to Va. Tech

The OP Stat of the Game: Demontez Stitt, 14 points, 5 assists, 1 TO, 2 blk, 2 stl

Clemson Dejection: An Ode (from the Greenville News)

With the loss, the Tigers fall to 8-5 in the ACC. No longer are the Tigers in possession of second place, but are now in a tie for 3rd with FSU- who, wouldn't you know, they play next in Tallahassee. then comes the in-between game against UVA, and then the away game conclusion against Wake.

The standings as of the end of last night:

School	Conf.	Pct.	Overall	Pct.
North Carolina	10-3	.769	24-3	.889
Duke	9-4	.692	23-5	.821
Clemson	8-5	.615	22-5	.815
Florida State	8-5	.615	21-7	.750
Wake Forest	7-5	.583	20-5	.800
Boston College	8-6	.571	20-9	.690
Virginia Tech	7-6	.538	17-10	.630
Maryland	6-7	.462	17-10	.630
NC State	5-7	.417	15-10	.600
Miami	5-8	.385	16-10	.615
Virginia	3-9	.250	9-14	.391
Georgia Tech	1-12	.077	10-16	.385

Last night, save the first two minutes of the game, the Tigers looked drowsy, sluggish, lethargic. It was like the opening of the game took all of their in-game energy away. Yet, the Tigers were always in the game, within striking distance. Never once, however, did someone give us that extra boost we needed.

Booker looked to be the catalyst in the first half, but he couldn't get it to fall in the second half. KC played fairly efficiently, but didn't take the team on his shoulders, opting instead to play as a team player, rather than as a senior leader. Sykes was all but absent. Potter couldn't stay out of foul trouble. To be fair, the officials were calling some weak fouls- on both sides. However, this is the ACC, with ACC officials, the Tigers should be used to inconsistent, cheap foul calls. Maybe they were trying to keep the game in check- who knows.

TO tried to take the game over, as he tied the game with two threes and a FT. Still, it wasn't enough. The Tigers couldn't break through, as evidence in the last play of the game- TO gets the ball on the left side, but passes on the shot, passing to Stitt who vainly attempts to draw a foul. I don't know if it was a mistake, or miscommunication, but it was ugly.

Turnovers killed us last night. Vassallo killed us last night. Delaney killed us last night. We were unable to control the ball with 16 turnovers and 12 VT steals. The Hokies easily dribbled around, through, and over the press. Nothing we did really stopped them.

Again, when we came so close to attaining the goal moving up the ACC leaderboard, we slipped.

But now, we move on

Read what others have to say about last nights' game:

Tigers Stumble- Greenville News
Clemson edged by Virginia Tech in Heartbreak, 80-77- Clemson Tigers official recap
Tigers slip up, slide down standings- The State
Delaney helps Va. Tech upset Clemson, end losing streak- CBS Sports
Tigers throw away another opportunity: Virginia Tech 80, Clemson 77- Charleston.net
Gamestats: SCACCHoops

Go Tigers!

Oliver Purnell discusses the loss to UVA

And some other lazy links:

Tigers seeking complete effort against surging Terrapins- Anderson Independent
Clemson squanders another chance to join UNC, Duke at the top of the ACC- Anderson Independent
Lethargic Tigers tumble to overtime loss vs. Cavs.- Charleston Post and Courier

Don't know if this still holds, but here it goes anyway:
Tigers still on pace for no. 2 in NCAAs- Charleston Post an Courier

Go Tigers!

The Tigers win against GT

The OP Stat of the Game: Team- 13 assistsDemontez Stitt, proving he indeed does know how to pass the ball successfully. (from The Greenville News)

Last night's performance in parts was:


The best stretch of the game, however, bookended halftime. The last minute of the 1st half into the first five minutes of the second half, we opened it up. The resulting game play proved we learned something in Chapel Hill, as we played with the intensity of the Tarheels surrounding the half.

However, how many times does a team that scores fewer baskets and has a lower FG% win?
That is right Tiger fans.

Did this win come down to freethrows? Possibly. We were 23-31, 74.2%; while GT was 10-14, 71.4%. This stat not only shows that we hit most of our FT, but we were also attacking the basket.

And, as the stat of the game shows, we shared the ball.
Even TO. He made several passes when he would normally have shot the ball. Still, he was 5-15 shooting- all made baskets were 3PT.

Stitt had a much better A/TO ratio of 5/2 to go with his six points.

Booker had a quiet double-double, 11pts, 11reb. But was 2-7 shooting, with only one dunk. ONE. Stop the floating, circus-tap, hookshot, away-from-the-basket BS and back it up and DUNK. Inside-out. Inside-out.

And what about Grant? He is developing nicely in the past couple of games. OP made the adjustment to start him in the second half and was rewarded nicely. Grant was 4-4 shooting, 2 layups, two dunks, and 2-2 from the line to go along with 4 reb, 1 steal, and 2 blocks. If he can stay out of fould trouble, he could/should give us a stronger, more athletic inside forward presence.

Ray Sykes is big, and he had ten points, but on 5-9 shooting. With all of his shots coming from within four feet of the basket, he should have a higher shooting percentage. "Tiny Wine" get your head in the game.

Next up, Virginia Tech, Thursday, 1/29. This is not the best time to be playing a team coming off two strong away wins (Wake and Miami). Hopefully, they will be emotionally spent and we will be out of our shooting funk for the game in Blacksburg.

Go Tigers!

Clemson defeats Miami, 91-72

The OP Stat of the Game: KC Rivers; 28 pts, Team FT%, 72.22

It looked bleak about midway through the first half.

The Tigers were down by ten. McClinton was getting into a groove, or letting the rhythm find him like the unexpectedly high-pitched-voice Frank Haith said McClinton needed to do.

OP called a timeout.

Then, the Tigers went on a run. From that point forward, they never let up. TO overcame his emotional fragility, which nearly prevented him from being effective in the first half, and finished with 17 points.

KC stepped up and became who he will need to be throughout the ACC season.
28 points for KC- I thought McClinton was the All-American candidate.

But, what about Stitt? 10 points, 5 assists, 3 steals, 3 turnovers. Nice work on all fronts. He kept us in the game many times when we looked like we were about to fade.

And of David Potter and Jerai Grant? Potter had 7 subtle, necessary points. Grant might have had his biggest game ever tonight. Point-wise, he has scored more, but 7 of his 9 points came at a pivotal moment after Booker had been called for his fourth foul.

Though Booker was kept relatively quiet offensively, he had 16 rebounds. This helped keep the Tigers ahead in the end. We couldn't get a board in the first half. Booker made it happen. What he lacked, or was taken away from him by foul trouble, he compensated with his rebounding prowess.

Defense keyed this win. Miami had 22 turnovers, All-America McClinton with 4. Nice work, Jack.

Yes, things look even better today than they did yesterday. 12-0, 1-0 ACC, away game!
This should legitimize our top 25 ranking and hopefully give us a little bump before we take on South Carolina after Christmas on 12/30.

Enjoy the break Tigers, you earned it.

The best line from the Miami Herald, indicative of the dedicated Miami fanbase:

Oglesby sealed it with 5:53 left, when he connected from beyond the arc again to make it 79-62.

He pumped both fists, and almost on cue, the majority of the Miami faithful began heading for the exits.

Go Tigers!

Clemson defeats Illiniois 76-74

The OP Stat of the Game: Demontez Stitt, 18 pts, 8-11 FG, 6 assists, 2 TO, 4 steals

Our FT% nearly killed us tonight. But their ineptitude to get a shot off in the end saved us.

Stitt moved his game forward tonight. This win, and his leadership in it, should be a big confidence booster for the sophomore, despite the missed FT in the end.

All game, I waited for someone else to step up: TO, Grant, DP, Young, "Gentle Ginger" Smith?

Overall Thoughts:

The Illini exposed our press fairly regularly tonight. Mike Davis was able to score 28 points and Demetri McCamey had 20. Their guards were able to pass over the top and around our press. Had their big men been able to keep up, they would have had the win. And while their 3p% was as abysmal as ours, they seemed to hit them at the emotional precipices- shooting us down each time.

The Tigers responded with 56 points in the paint. Many coming in the second half. They destroyed us on the glass, 35-23. Painful. However, to go along with our points in the paint, we converted at a much higher percentage in the second half. I couldn't believe the game was going to come down to FT in the end, again. This wasn't going to be about what could have been with the FT, but what actually happened. Not to take away from what the Tigers accomplished tonight and in the second half, but, The Illini, though, choked- hard.


Their "Orange Crush" failed them. They tried all they could throughout the game- calling air-ball everytime TO had the ball and even telling Ray "Tiny Wine" Sykes to "Cut Your Hair." Please. This is a Tiger team who has had to deal with the hostile environment of Cameron Indoor and their oh-so-clever-rehearsed chants. The Illini adhoc chants were no match.

Still, the Tigers were lucky to escape with the win tonight. We were tired at the end. It showed at little. And while we represented the ACC nicely tonight, we still have work to do. Weakside defense was slow to arrive on many drives. Booker, though he nearly achieved a double-double, he needs to be more assertive around the rim. Many of the touch shots he missed, he could have finished with more authority.

And again, I was impressed not only with Sykes and his ability to convert on his offensive possessions. Potter was spotty in his performance, but hit when the shots when they counted in the end. Our defensive pressure kept us in this game and won it for us.

This is a Big Win. Illinois is a serious basketball school and we took it to them, moving to 8-0, in their building.

Congratulations,

Go Tigers!

Clemson Escapes Charlotte with a 71-70 win

The OP Stat of the Game: Demontez Stitt, 16 points.

Stitt Happens, But N-Oglesby.

Firstly, tonight's game was ugly. Ugly. Ugly. We lost in terms of FG%, 3P%, Tempo, eFG%, OReb %, DReb%, A/FGM and A/TO. I know Oglesby has unlimited range and has no reins on him when he is shooting; but come one, 2-10? Say it ain't (another hackneyed pun/play-on-on-words) S-Oglesby. Still, it is nice to play in a hostile environment and come out with the win. The Tigers stopped the 49ers runs, avoided fouls when necessary, and hit FT when necessary, and despite the paltry 58.06%, we still won that battle as Charlotte shot 36.84 FT%.

I think most everyone tonight expected the Tigers to have a tough go at it, except of course the 49er fans. This morning they had a "Please do not rush the court if we win" thread on ninernation, in which, the 49er fans discussed how they have a better program, etc.

Tonight, their candor has changed a little- Clemson rivalry needs to continue. Yes, I like it as well Mr. 49er fan. However, the Lutz 'stache is scary and there are plenty of other teams with clean-lipped coaches who would be willing to play us.

Consider this a 'stache-scape.

Go Tigers!

Clemson wins Charleston Classic, defeats Temple

OP Stat of the Game: Trevor Booker double-double, 16 reb, 15 pts.

The Tigers were still plagued by the turnovers, 22 this time. They were up by as much as 14. The Owls kept the game interesting. They were undeterred with their 5 guard lineup. Christmas was held scoreless through the first half, but picked up his pace and ended with 14 points.

Terrence Oglesby continued his strong play and finished with 16 points. For the tournament, TO averaged 15.7 pts and Booker raised his rebound average to 13.7 rpg. For both, nice work.

Jerai Grant and David Potter might have been absent offensively, but both were the defensive stalwarts for the Tigers. But, it was David Potter's offensive rebound with 27 seconds left that finally sealed the deal for the Tigers. The lead was down to three, but with the rebound and pass to Booker, who hit both of his FT, the lead was increased to 5.

It was a good tournament and provided solid experience for the Tigers. When all cylinders were not hitting, support came from the freshmen, Tanner Smith and Andre Young, from the senior leader KC Rivers, the Nordic god, Terrence Oglesby, and the guidance of Demontez Stitt- all of which was anchored down low by Big 35- Trevor Booker.

The Tigers next match up against the Wily Terriers of Wofford, who play OP's previous school, Dayton, tonight.

Congratulations on the inaugural Charleston Classic Championship.

Go Tigers!

Et tu Du-ke?

"They're men; and their coach is a man.
- Mike Krzyzewski, Duke University Men's Basketball Coach, Philosopher


Duke escaped the Yellowjackets, as one by one, they ran away and cowered from Scheyer's face.

During a brief break between the clouds, rain, and tornadoes, I was able to catch the end of our game with Duke and we stepped up big.

We hit our freethrows. We weren't afraid of Scheyer's grimaces. And we wanted to play UNC again.

Now, we have solidified our position in the NCAA tournament. The next game may help determine our seed.

No more Duke. I want to hate Coach K, but then he goes and does something like this.

Go Tigers!

Stitt Happens! Clemson Wins Dramatically

The endgame was only fitting.

We won with what is accepted as our most glaring weakness, FTs
I really wanted the Tigers to win this game.They needed a confidence boost after the collapse against GT.

It happened, despite more shaky officiating by the ACC crew.

(aside)Maybe if the crews let the teams play like they did Saturday night in the Duke/UNC game, the ACC would be even more exciting and respectable than it is now.

As such, I was awarded doubly after being screwed by DST this morning.

Firstly, Clemson won. The Tigers held on when they could have let go.

Secondly, I gained a ton of fantasy ACC points from AD Vassallo, without having to suffer a Clemson loss. However, I can't remember if I had Oglesby set to start for me this week or not, so my win/loss in this final game/week may come down to whatever I did with Oglesby.

Especially since Oglesby found his stroke again and ended up with 17 points.
And what about Demontez?

He sealed the deal for us in the end hitting 2-2 FT and lifting us over VT. The fact that it was our freshman point guard who pushed us into the ACC and NCAA tournaments on a positive note for the Seniors' final home game was a fitting acceptance of his future role. Both he and Oglesby have stepped up big for us in the past few weeks.

And while Mays, Perry, Nuts, and Uncle Cliff set the foundation, soon it will be time for Stitt, Oglesby, and the future classes to build upward.

This win, while it may not seem as big, nor dramatic as the win against Maryland, it is. Maybe even bigger.

ACC 3rd Place (Honorary Mention, Show?)


Go Tigers!

Oliver and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

Let us not be so pessimistic about the loss of Stitt.

I miss Uncle Cliff. He seems to be moving around without cause or direction sometimes during the past few games.

Hopefully this temporary elevated PG role in this now Stitt-less offense will bring back some of what Uncle Cliff brought earlier this season.

Maybe it is his beard weighing the front of his head down.

So now Tigers, Sack Up!
Or, more eloquently:

“Everyone now has to hitch up their belt so that as a team we can make up for his absence as we continue to compete in the ACC,” Purnell said.

And what about BC? They are coming off a huge loss to UNC last night and now are probably en route to Clemson for the game tomorrow.

We have a chance to shake things up with their fatigue and our fans, despite the injury losses.

So,
Go Tigers!

Oglesby and Stitt- CBS Sportsline article

A few days late, but a nice read. Nice work OP.
Enjoy.

Go Tigers!

Clemson Defeats ODU Monarchs

What most struck me about the win against the Monarchs was the appearance of Trevor Booker on offense. He has been ok defensively and rebound-wise, but he has been all but absent on offense. Our scoring ability and inside presence depends on our decpetively, Charles Barkley-like undersized center. It seemed to return, at least a bit, as both Booker and Mays had double-doubles. Per the ODU game, we looked sluggish at the beginning of the second half, but responded well.

And what about Demontez Stitt? He seems to be developing nicely thus far. He is going to have ups and downs- sometimes even within the same game, see MSSt. But, from all appearances, he is progressing and maintaining his focus.

After the win against ODU, of a potential top 25 ranking, OP said, "We've got to continue to improve, but it would be good to get there. That's where we want to be all the time as a program. But we still need to get better."

We made it back, just barely at 22 and 24.

And so, its time to bring on the PC Blue Hose. I welcome the Blue Hose to Div I basketball and maybe the coaches' face in this official PC picture reflects what its like to move up a division.

3/17ths of the way there,

Until 4/17ths

Go Tigers!