Tigers Late Rally Isn’t Enough to Top Tennessee, Rick Barnes
It was a Sunday Homecoming for Tennessee Head Coach Rick Barnes as the Vols came to Littlejohn to face off with the Tigers for charity. Barnes coached at Clemson from 1994-1998 compiling a 74-48 record. Barnes' Tiger teams were known for their scrappy effort and that's exactly what Tennessee needed to hold off a late Clemson rally and win 71-67.
The Tigers and Volunteers had average seasons a year ago finishing 17-16 and 16-16, respectively. While Clemson qualified for the NIT, Tennessee did not have an opportunity for postseason play. Heading into the season, both teams are picked to finish 13th in their conference.
While every game on the schedule means a great deal, this felt different. A wave of charity that has washed across the country, hit the shores of Littlejohn Coliseum on Sunday.
After the devastating effects of the hurricanes and tropical storms that hit Florida, Texas, and Puerto Rico just a short time ago, the University of Tennessee and Clemson University joined together with the Salvation Army to play an exhibition game where the proceeds and donations collected benefitted the victims of those tragic events.
And while charity ruled the day, an opportunity to challenge a Power 5 opponent gave both coaching staff a chance for some additional evaluation before the season begins.
The Tigers had a very slow start on Thursday against Augusta, and an equally slow start today. Clemson was out of sync missing their first 11 field goal attempts. Clemson’s only points after 8 minutes of action came from a pair of early free throws. Nearly twelve minutes into the game, Marquise Reed netted the Tigers first shot from the field.
The remainder of the first half, Clemson would struggle with connecting from the floor. The Tigers finished the half only shooting 25.9% from the field, but only trailed 28-25.
What made for an ugly first half, turned into an exciting second half between the Tigers and the Volunteers.
Clemson put up 42 second-half points and made a push in the final minutes but the margin was just too much to overcome.
Down by double digits with under five minutes left to play, Clemson went on a 12-0 run, making Rick Barnes and everyone in attendance move to the edge of their seats. Mark Donnal hit a three-pointer to pull the Tigers within two with 13.9 seconds left to play. Clemson brought pressure on defense on the ensuing inbounds play, but Tennessee was able to drop in a breakaway layup to seal the deal.
Clemson had three players in double figures, led by Marquise Reed who had a tremendous game shooting going 7-12 from the field and 3-4 from beyond the arc for 25 points. Shelton Mitchell and Gabe DeVoe both chipped in with 14 points.
Clemson will open up the regular season at home Friday, November 10th, against Western Carolina at 7:00 pm.