The game started with little stoppage and lots of makes by both teams. More importantly, when subs were made, the young guys came to play tonight and actually looked good in the middle part of the first half, especially McDaniels. I was encouraged by how they played defense and think they will eventually find their offensive rhythm with time. Taking a 30-26 lead into the half, the Tigers were outplaying and outhustling the Cavs, who came into the game at 17-3 and having lost their three games by very small margins.
In the second half, the Cavs went on a big run and went ahead 50-39, but Clemson fought back and made it a game. An Andre Young three-pointer in the closing seconds would have tied it and possibly sent it, but it did not fall and the Tigers walked away with a loss. The loss of Milton Jennings hurt, but don't tell the guys tonight who played pretty well. These guys scored 61 points against the best defense in the ACC and one of the best in the country. I know 61 isn't a lot, but when teams are averaging about 50/game against you, 61 seems like a ton. And for a team that already struggles to score like Clemson, I'm encouraged by what I see. I know this year has been frustrating in general after 3 straight NCAA tournament appearances, but I'm liking the young talent and hoping for a good recruiting class. I also am hoping for a miracle run in the ACC tournament to capture the ACC Championship crown, but that may be a bit farfetched.
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