After giving Bobo a start two days ago against Winthrop, Brownell switched up the starting lineup once again, reverting back to the B-Nice, Booker, Tanner, Andre, Hall lineup that also started against Arizona. B-Nice looked pretty good in the starting spot, but maybe not good enough to keep it, as he only logged 10 minutes. He actually scored Clemson's first 3 points of the game. He tied a season-high with 7 points, grabbed 3 rebounds, and brought his usual energy to the court. His mid-range jumper (which came off of a nice dish from Devin Booker) was Clemson's only field goal of the first few minutes. The Tigers started slow offensively yet again tonight, logging just 3 points through the first 4 minutes.
We actually got some pretty good looks at the basket in the opening moments of the game, but couldn't connect on any of them. And a lot of the missed shots came from within ten feet of the rim. Fortunately for everyone, the poor shooting trend did not last for too long, as the Tigers shot 50% from the field and finished with 70 points.
Fun fact of the day: the Tigers are now 3-0 in games in which they score 70, but just 3-4 in games with 69 or less. Look for this trend to continue as the season progresses, as our defense should be good enough for 70 to be enough for a victory most of the time. More after the jump.
Playing Alabama State won't do our RPI any favors, but I think it helped with the development of this young team. Everyone but Carson Fields and Devin Coleman got significant minutes tonight.
I was really impressed with the play of K.J. McDaniels tonight (5 rebounds, 2 blocks, 5 points). He only played for 13 minutes, but played with intensity the entire time he was in. His second block, which came with the Tigers up 25 and under a minute left in the game, showed that he is going to play hard all game long. His inside play has looked good the last few games, and the 3 that he made tonight shows that he could become a versatile threat on offense in the near future.
Sapp continued to solidy his role as one of the team's best shooters (shot 50% tonight), and Rod Hall continued to solidify his role as a solid defender. Sullivan played pretty well too, but somehow managed to pick up 3 fouls in just 11 minutes of play.
Devin played well tonight as well. It might have been just because all of the Alabama State players are so small, but he did a good job of attacking the basket tonight. It helped that he didn't have to post up in order to get the ball. He was able to get wide open within 15 feet on numerous occasions tonight. He finished with 13 points, a block, 3 steals, and team-high 8 rebounds.
Milton played like he normally does. He shot the ball pretty well (finished 4-4 from the field and 4-4 from the line, 12 total points), had a crowd-electrifying moment (a monster and-one dunk), but also frustrated the crowd with his usual mistakes (4 turnovers). Tanner was also his usual self, as he played hard but made several mistakes (3 TOs). And Bobo, just a game removed from his first career start, reverted back to his normal self, playing just nine minutes and garnering just 3 points.
Andre continued to shoot poorly (0-5 from beyond the arc). He shot poorly against USC and Arizona, but in those games he made at least one shot from downtown. He did a good job at the point, as he distributed the ball well (5 assists), but he's gonna have to shoot the ball better come ACC play.
Next up for the Tigers is a Holiday trip to Hawaii for the Diamond Head Classic. First game is against UTEP. It tips at 2:30 on Thursday and will be televised by ESPNU.