Tigers Need Strong Second Half to Defeat Augusta in Exhibition
Brad Brownell began his eighth season at the helm of the Clemson basketball program Thursday night as the Tigers hosted Augusta for an exhibition matchup. After a slow start in the first half of action, Clemson pulled away late in an 80-56 win.
Many would say that it was the season of “almost” for the Tigers last year, as Clemson proved that they could challenge and compete with the best the conference has to offer. Competing, however, doesn't always lead to winning and, the Tigers dropped a handful of close, emotional losses, in the final minutes, or even seconds.
During the 2016-2017 season, Clemson had 11 conference games decided by 6 points or fewer; they lost nine of those eleven including a 3-point loss to the eventual National Champion in North Carolina at home in overtime. The Tigers also suffered a two-point loss at Cameron Indoor Stadium to the Duke Blue Devils.
While they missed the NCAA Tournament, Clemson qualified for the NIT but was knocked out in the first round by Oakland.
Clemson entered Thursday’s game with many new faces hitting the court, including Michigan transfer Mark Donnal, Valparaiso transfer David Skara, and a few redshirt players and freshman.
Besides the roster changes, Clemson Tiger fans enter this season with bigger expectations for a more talented offensive team even with the loss of Jaron Blossomgame.
Clemson took the lead 57 seconds into the first half, 3-2, after a Marquise Reed three-pointer, but Augusta would seize the lead and hold on to it for the rest of the first half.
Outside of Reed who made his first three three-pointers, Clemson came out shooting poorly. While Reed went 3-3 from the field, his teammates missed their first eleven shots.
To the fans in attendance, it seemed like Clemson just could not find their rhythm in the first half of play. Missed shots and miscommunication were critical points in the first half.
At halftime, Augusta led the Tigers 33-31.
The second half was a different story for the Tigers.
Whatever Brad Brownell said in the locker room paid off as Clemson came out of the break looking like a different team. The Tigers shot 61% from the floor and 47% from beyond the arc in the second half.
Junior Center Elijah Thomas displayed exceptional abilities in the paint in the second half, nearly putting together a double-double with 10 points and nine rebounds.
Also, after having just two points in the first half, Senior Donte Grantham exploded for 16 second-half points including a rim-rattling dunk to put the Tigers up 61-47 with nine minutes to play. Donte Grantham led the Tigers in scoring with 18 points followed by Shelton Mitchell who had a quiet 13.
Thursday’s exhibition game marked the first of two for the Tigers, as Sunday, November 5th, Clemson will welcome Tennessee and former Clemson Head Coach Rick Barnes to Littlejohn Coliseum. The Volunteers and Tigers will battle in a game to benefit the Salvation Army’s continued efforts for Hurricane Relief with all the proceeds and donations going towards the cause. Admission is free, and the game tips at 12:30 PM.