(Melina Alberti/Clemson University Athletic Communications)
Clemson led Miami in their ACC clash most of Tuesday afternoon, but the Tigers couldn’t put the Hurricanes away and fell 73-68 in overtime at Littlejohn Coliseum. Clemson led by as many as ten points, but Miami kept fighting its way back into the game with zone defense and timely shooting.
Center Aamir Simms led Clemson (6-7, 0-3 ACC) with 21 points and eight rebounds. Simms played with efficiency and discipline, hitting 8 of 14 from the floor, 4 of 5 from the foul line, committing just one turnover and no fouls. Unfortunately for the Tigers, the rest of the team wasn’t able to duplicate Simms’ effectiveness. Clemson shot just 43.5% from the field, 27% from the 3-point line (0 for 4 in overtime) and 67% from the foul line. Cold shooting has haunted the Tigers through its first three ACC games, hitting on just 28% of its 3-pointers in losses against Miami, Virginia Tech and Florida State.
Miami didn’t fare much better offensively, but the Canes overcame Clemson’s defensive efforts by knocking down 9 of 10 foul shots and going 3 of 4 from the field in overtime. Guard Chris Lykes (5’7″) did most of the damage for Miami, scorching the Tigers for 27 points on 10 of 16 shooting.
Clemson will again try for its first conference victory when the Tigers play host to NC State (10-3, 1-1) at noon, Saturday.
