Clemson is 2-0 and has wins over the SEC and the Big Ten. That’s a heady start for Brad Brownell’s team. The Tigers defeated Mississippi State Wednesday night in the opening night of the Space Coast Challenge in Melbourne, FL Thursday night the Tigers knocked off Purdue 81-70 to take hom the championship trophy. Aamir Simms, who battled foul trouble and was limited to just 8 minutes and 4 points in the opener, bounced back with a 24 point, 4 assist, 3 rebound performance. He was one of four Tigers to score in double figures.
The Tigers went on a 14-2 turn to turn an 11-10 deficit into a 24-13 lead. They led 36-28 at the half. The Boilermakers made a second half run and tied the game at 48. Jonathan Baehre broke the tie with a three-pointer that ignited a 10-0 run giving the Tigers a 58-48 lead with 9 minutes to play. They eventually stretched the lead to 15 points and cruised in from there.
The Tigers shot 49% for the game and hit 10 three-pointers. They forced 22 turnovers, including 13 steaks, and scored 24 points off turnovers. In their two games in Florida, the Tigers forced 41 turnovers that led to 46 points.
Next up for Clemson will be the home opener December 2nd against SC State.
Brad Brownell postgame press conference
Final Stats
