Clemson saw its double-digit lead evaporate and perfect record disappear under an avalanche of St. Bonaventure 3-pointers in a 68-65 loss at the Shriner’s Children’s Charleston Classic, Friday.
The Tigers did almost everything right in racing out to a 16-point first half advantage. Following a St. Bonaventure bucket on a back-door cut on the opening possession, all five Tigers starters scored in an 11-0 run that set Clemson in control. Meanwhile, the Bonnies were out of sorts. The nation’s 22nd-ranked team started 1 of 12 from the floor. But St. Bonaventure (4-0) regrouped and roared back after halftime, eventually solving Clemson’s man-to-man defense with player action and perimeter shooting. A 21-2 run put the Bonnies in front for good. St. Bonaventure hit 10 of its 12 3-point attempts after the break.
Despite the loss, Clemson (4-1) had some stellar individual performances. P.J. Hall proved to be a mismatch in the block and on the perimeter, tying a career high in points with 22. After going 7 of 7 from the floor in the opening game of the tournament, Nick Honor continued his efficiency, making five of his eight shots for 12 points, Friday. Honor also ran the point effectively, committing just one turnover. David Collins contributed a good all-around game on both ends of the floor, putting up a stat line of 14 points, five rebounds and two steals.
The Tigers will get tomorrow off before participating in the third-place game, Sunday. Clemson will square off with either West Virginia or Marquette.
