Clemson ran their record to 9-0 Saturday with a 74-66 win over TCU in Toronto as part of the Hall of Fame Series. It was the first time the Tigers had played a game in Canada, and they continued their best start on a season since the 16-0 start of 2009.
The Tigers built a 16-point lead in the second half then had to fend off the Horned Frogs down the stretch as the Tigers did not make a field goal for the 5:45 of the game.
Joe Girard scored nine straight points as Clemson went from six up to a 15-point lead with 13:05 to play. TCU responded with an 8-0 to cut the lead to seven. The lead was six when the Tigers went on an 8-0 to lead 68-54 with 5;45 to play.
The Tigers did not make another basket the rest of the way, but they did make six of eight free throws over the final five minutes. The Tigers made just three of their final 14 shots from the floor, but TCU could not capitalize because of a their own shooting woes. The Horned Frogs made just two of their final 11 field goal attempts.
Girard led Clemson with 21 points with 14 points coming in the second half. He also had five rebounds and four assists. PJ Hall scored 17 points and grabbed six rebounds. And Ian Schieffelin had another solid game with 14 points and nine rebounds.
The Tigers are off this week before traveling to Memphis for a game next Saturday afternoon.