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!

The Clemson Basketball SoCon tour Continues vs. Wofford

When: Tonight, 7:00pm

Where: Littlejohn Coliseum, Clemson, SC

Watch: Tigercast

Listen: WCCP-FM

Follow: Gametracker

Tonight could get interesting, as the Wofford Terriers come to town. These same Woffordeers appeared as a #13 seed in the NCAA tournament for the first time in school history, nearly defeating #4 seed Wisconsin; though they ended up losing 53-49 in the waning seconds. Wofford is experiencing an upswing and the benefits of basketball league parity- and the painful Big Ten lack of scoring acumen, out side of Michigan State.

 It hurts my eyes just to think of it. 

While Wofford is not a traditionally strong non-conference opponent, it will be a good early test for this year's iteration  of the Tigers. They have yet to be tested, beyond what they get from the coaching staff and their fellow players. 

At least one player they face tonight should give the Tigers some trouble, Noah Dahlman. As an inside player, he will get challenged by Grant and Booker. Conversely, his presence will hopefully allow us to see how our sophomores and post players react to a challenge.

The guard play should allow us to free up some space down low for Grant and/or Booker. Stitt will likely be looking to improve upon his fairly disappointing season opening performance. Young will be Young and hopefully Smith will be Smith.

Should Milt Jennings continue to elevate his play to the level as he began to do so in the previous game, this game could get out of hand. Or, if someone doesn't step up early, it could be a tight finish. While I fully expect the Tigers to win, I am hoping for an enjoyable game.

Go Tigers!