Beating Wake Forest at Littlejohn isn't anything to write home about . We've already discussed Wake's ineptitude here. But Saturday's win was significant because it has now guaranteed the Tigers of finishing ACC play with at least an 8-8 record. After changing coaches and systems, losing Trevor Booker to graduation, and having two scholarship players quit mid-season, I think most people would've been extremely satisfied if you told them the Tigers would finish .500 or better this year.
The Good
- Clemson won this game on the defensive end. The Tigers led Wake by 13 at halftime after holding Wake to 20 first half points on 24% shooting.
- The Tigers forced 11 first half turnovers.
- Devin Booker pulled down 10 boards. That's the most rebounds he has recorded since January 22. I thought he showed effort and aggressiveness in his rebounding.
- 9 first half turnovers. It seemed at times we were attempting to match Wake turnover for turnover.
- Offensive aggressiveness in the 2nd half. We were up 13 at the half and the game never seemed in doubt, but the 2nd half was missing a "foot on the throat" type of aggressiveness. We only attempted 4 second half free throws, which shows that we didn't attack the basket. I was hoping to see us come out and play a solid second half and win this game going away by 30.
- The matchup. There is nothing glamorous about playing Wake Forest this year. The players don't get hyped, the fans don't get hyped, and the RPI will take a hit even after a win. It's a game that you won't get much credit for winning, but a game that you absolutely cannot afford to lose.
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