Clemson made itself right at home at the TD Arena, Thursday, defeating Temple 75-58 in the first round of Shriners Children’s Charleston Classic. The Tigers opened the season on a three-game winning streak by defeating Presbyterian, Wofford and Bryant. But the neutral site contest against the Owls was Clemson’s first test away from the familiar surroundings of Littlejohn Coliseum. A test Clemson passed with ease.
The Tigers carried the momentum from a 56% 3-point shooting performance against Bryant with them to Charleston, knocking down 7 of their first 11 from behind the arc (64%), Thursday. Clemson (4-0) finished up hitting 11 of its 21 3-point shots.
After slow starts against Presbyterian and Wofford, Nick Honor got cooking early, scoring 14 of Clemson’s first 18 points. Honor finished with 19 points in a flawless shooting performance. The junior transfer was 7-7 from the field, 4-4 from long distance and made his only free throw attempt to complete a 3-point play. P.J. Hall joined Honor in double figures with 13 points on 6 of 11 shooting.
Clemson advances to play 22nd-ranked St. Bonaventure at 2:30 p.m., Friday. The winner of that matchup will earn a place in Sunday’s championship game.
Final Box
Brad Brownell and Nick Honor postgame press conference
