Littlejohn Coliseum: In the press conferences leading up to Wednesday’s game between South Carolina and Clemson, the opposing coaches did everything they could to downplay the rivalry aspect to the matchup, framing it as “just the next game.” It was apparent, however, that both teams’ players and the thousands in attendance understood exactly what was at stake. Bragging rights. And, in this case, the continuation of an undefeated start to the season.
South Carolina leapt out in front behind Meechie Johnson’s hot shooting, but Clemson proved to be the more poised team down the stretch and came away with a hard-fought 72-67 victory.
The Gamecocks (7-1) did almost everything right en route to building a seven-point halftime lead. Johnson (26 points, 6-10 3-pointers) ignited the offense, but it was USC’s defense that was giving Clemson the most trouble early. The Tigers shot 31% in the first half and knocked down just two 3-pointers before intermission. South Carolina had the nation’s 24th-ranked team right where they wanted them: On the ropes and searching for answers. “We controlled a lot of the game,” Gamecocks head coach Lamont Paris said. “But when it got down to the nitty gritty, we didn’t make any plays.”
Clemson (8-0), on the other hand, seemingly found its footing just when the terrain was at its most arduous. With 5:34 remaining, Tigers forward Ian Schieffelin committed his fourth foul. Clemson head coach Brad Brownell rolled the dice by leaving his veteran post player on the floor. The gamble paid off as Schieffelin scored the next five points, helping to jumpstart the offense and fire up the crowd. The Tigers rode the momentum all the way to victory, effectively owning the next four minutes of game time.
Brownell said, “My assistants wanted me to take him out and this is one time I just said, ‘I’m not doing it.’ I just wanted him out there. Ironically, they were playing off our 4s and I just kinda knew the next thing we ran he’d be at the top of the key, and I told him, ‘you be ready to shoot this one in because I don’t think they’re going to guard you.’ And he did.”
Schieffelin (12 points, 12 rebounds) was one of five Tigers to finish in double figures, joining Chauncey Wiggins (15 points), P.J. Hall (14 points), Joseph Girard, III (12 points) and Chase Hunter (10 points). After scuffling offensively through the first half, the Tigers shot 59% from the field and scored 49 points in second half.
The USC-Clemson basketball rivalry has ebbed and flowed in terms of intensity over the years due to a number of factors, including the academic calendar. This contest, however, had the feel of a game that carried a lot of meaning. “This is one we really wanted to win,” Brownell said. “Tonight’s crowd was really good for the state of South Carolina basketball. Unbelievable basketball environment. This is what it should be …. This was fantastic. We probably don’t win the game if we don’t have that environment to help us.”
Clemson has a quick turnaround with a trip to Toronto on deck. The Tigers will square off with TCU as part of the Hall of Fame Series at 4 p.m., Saturday. South Carolina, meanwhile, will head to Greenville, NC, for a matchup with East Carolina. Tipoff between the Gamecocks and the Pirates is set for noon, Saturday.
Final Stats
