Clemson withstood a second-half rally, foul trouble and a rash of turnovers in a 76-68 victory over Wofford at Littlejohn Coliseum, Friday. Forward P.J. Hall went to work early to help Clemson build an 8-point halftime lead. Hall, who grew up in Spartanburg, just minutes from Wofford College, had a career-high in points by halftime. The 6-10 sophomore did his damage both in the paint and on the perimeter, hitting on 3 of his 4 shots from behind the arc. Hall finished with 22 points on 6 of 8 shooting and 8 rebounds.
The only mark on Hall’s report card was committing a technical foul (part of a double technical) that counted as his third personal. With Hall sidelined and in foul trouble, Wofford made its move, springing an 8-2 run on the Tigers and briefly taking the lead. But Clemson (2-0) wrestled the lead back behind some clutch plays from its backcourt. Nick Honor, who had scored just two points in Tuesday’s opener, went scoreless in the first half. But the veteran guard found some openings after the break, fighting his way to the bucket for a pair of acrobatic lay-ins to halt Wofford’s momentum. Honor put his slow start behind him to finish with 11 points and 4 assists.
Al Amir-Dawes finished off what Hall started with a shot-clock beating 3-pointer to put the Tigers ahead 74-68 in the final minute. Credit must also be given to the Clemson defense, limiting Wofford to 5 of 23 shooting from long distance.
Clemson is back home, Monday, playing host to Bryant at 7 p.m.
Final Stats
