Syracuse turned a tight game with Clemson into a comfortable win finishing with a 13-6 run on their way to a 91-78 victory at the Carrier Dome. It’s the most points allowed by the Tigers this season. The Orange built a double-digit lead in each half only to see the Tigers work their way back into contention each time.
The Tigers closed within six at 78-72 after a dunk by David Collins with 3:53 to play, but that was their last hurrah. Syracuse scored the next seven points for a 13-point lead, and Clemson could get no closer than nine the rest of the way.
After the game, Clemson coach Brad Brownell did not mince words when it came to his players’ lack of defensive prowess. He cited their lack of physicality in dealing with the taller Syracuse guards and said the defensive breakdowns have become all too common with this team.
Syracuse shot 53% from the floor and made nine three-pointers. And they were 20-26 from the line outscoring the Tigers from the stripe by a dozen. The starting backcourt of Buddy Boeheim and Joseph Girard combined for 48 points and 8 assists. PJ hall led the Tigers with 19 points and 11 assists for his second career double-double.
Clemson has lost three straight and is 10-8 overall and 2-5 in the ACC. The Tigers will host Pittsburgh Saturday at 6:00 PM.
