West Virginia forward Brenen Lorient was just 1-of-7 from the field on Friday night against Clemson. However, it was his one make that may have cost his team the most. The Mountaineers’ second leading scorer on the season finished a fast break for WVU with a thunderous dunk in the waning seconds of their game with the Tigers. The only problem? His team trailed by three at the time. Lorient was visibly upset after realizing he had forgotten the most critical aspect of late-game basketball … time and score.
On the ensuing possession, Clemson’s Carter Welling calmly sank two free throws to seal the Tigers’ 70-67 comeback win over the Mountaineers at TD Arena in downtown Charleston. In addition to the game-clinching free throws, Welling scored eight straight points to rally the Tigers from five down to up three with 1:22 remaining in the game. The Utah Valley transfer finished with thirteen points as five Tigers reached double figures in the game. RJ Godfrey and Jestin Porter each scored 14 points to lead the way for Clemson.
West Virginia appeared to be in good shape, leading 52-41 with 10:57 left to play. However, Clemson shot 56% from the field in the second half and outscored the Mountaineers 29-15 down the stretch to pull out the victory.
The Mountaineers were led in scoring by Honor Huff (17) and Chance Moore (16). WVU’s field goal percentage was 40%, while their free throw percentage was only 63% (12-of-19).
The Tigers will play again on Sunday in the championship game of the Palmetto Bracket against either Georgia or Xavier. The Bulldogs and Musketeers are set to tip off at 9pm. West Virginia is scheduled to meet the loser between UGA and Xavier, also on Sunday, in the consolation game of the Charleston Classic.