Clemson Down Temple 75-48 In First Round of Charleston Classic

Tigers Rally Late In First Half,  Honor Leads Charge With Game High 19 Pts.

By: Jeff Walker, Sports Writer

Whether they were out to avenge their loss four years ago in the championship game, it’s clear the Clemson men’s basketball team were ready to take on Temple when the two squads met again Thursday in the opening round of the ESPN Shriners Children’s Charleston Classic. However you assess the final outcome the Tigers easily downed the Owls after taking control late in the first period, en route to a 75-48 lopsided victory.

Nick Honor lead all scorers with a game high 19 points, finishing the contest going 7 of 7 from the floor including three from long range. He added three assists and one blocked shot to his list of stats. Fellow Tigers PJ Hall and Hunter Tyson chipped in 13 and 11 points respectively. With the win Clemson remain unbeaten, moving to 4-0 with a highly anticipated matchup against St. Bonaventure on day two of the classic.

While the contest was moving along slowly, Clemson found some mojo late in the first half. After trailing 24-23 with less than eight minutes remaining the Tigers put together a 15-2 run providing a comfortable 12 point advantage, taking a 38-26 lead into the locker room.

It was all Clemson after the break. When Al-Amir Dawes connected from beyond the arc, the Tigers enjoyed a 20 point lead (50-30) just four minute into the second period. The Owls had no answer and very little offense, as they could not chip away at the lead, allowing the Tigers to coast to an easy win. With the loss Temple fall to 1-2 early in the season and take on Boise State Friday at noon.

Tai Strickland lead Temple with 16 points including 3 of 6 from beyond the arc. Damian Dunn would add the Owls only other 3-pointer as he finished with 13 points for Temple.
The stats all favored the team in orange as Clemson shot 55 percent from the field making better than 50 percent (11 of 21) from long range.

In other first round action St. Bonaventure held off Boise State for a 67-61 win. In the night games Marquette got by Ole Miss 78-72 with West Virginia having little trouble with Elon, downing the Phoenix 87-68. Marquette and West Virginia will do battle today at 6pm followed by Ole Miss and Elon in the 8:30pm contest.

All games are being played at TD Arena and being broadcast on ESPNU as well as ESPN2. Check local listings.

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