Image Source: Will Harper
Key Takeaways
- Clemson defeated SMU with a strong defensive performance, holding them to their lowest 1st-half point total of the season
- The Tigers took a 9-point lead into the half and maintained a 10-12 point lead for most of the second half
- Freshman Chase Thompson provided 7 points off the bench in the first half, including an emphatic dunk
- Boopie Miller started to work his magic, drawing foul after foul and draining numerous clutch shots, but the Tigers continued to fight back
- Clemson held Corey Washington to zero points before he fouled out with under 4 minutes to play
Introduction to the Game
The late 9 PM tip-off on Wednesday proved to be an exciting matchup between Clemson and SMU. As Jake Wahlin helped Clemson open with a quick 9-4 lead with five points of his own, it was clear that this game was going to be a battle of identities. SMU settled quickly and tied it up at 13-13, but Clemson then went on a 12-0 run sparked by Carter Welling, who collected an offensive rebound and drew a foul on the ensuing layup for the 3-point play. As the game progressed, it became evident that Clemson’s strong defensive efforts were winning out over SMU’s explosive offense.
First Half Performance
The first half played out in a clear battle of identities, with Clemson’s strong defensive efforts taking center stage. As the article notes, "Clemson was successfully being disruptive and preventing SMU from playing at the high-speed tempo their team prefers to operate at." This disruption led to SMU being held to their lowest 1st-half point total of the season and zero fast-break points. Freshman Chase Thompson provided 7 points off the bench in the first half, including an emphatic dunk midway through that 12-point run. As the half came to a close, Clemson took a 9-point lead into the half, setting the stage for a thrilling second half.
Second Half Performance
The Mustangs opened the second half much faster and pulled within 5, but back-to-back 3-pointers from Butta Johnson quickly put the Tigers back in control. Clemson would then maintain a 10-12 point lead for the next 10 minutes, responding confidently to seemingly every basket SMU made with a score of their own. As the article states, "Clemson would then maintain a 10-12 point lead for the next 10 minutes, responding confidently to seemingly every basket SMU made with a score of their own." However, SMU would finally find its rhythm again and use an 11-2 run to bring the deficit back to a two-possession game. Boopie Miller started to work his magic, drawing foul after foul and draining numerous clutch shots, but the Tigers continued to fight back, never trailing in the game.
Closing Out the Game
In the final minutes of the game, Clemson held Corey Washington to zero points before he fouled out with under 4 minutes to play, just days after he dropped 23 against UNC. SMU would use its last timeout with 46 seconds to play trailing 4, but the ensuing possession would sputter out, giving Clemson its 13th victory of the season. As the article notes, "This is a great Quad 1 win, moving Clemson to 3-0 in conference play." The Tigers’ strong defensive performance and ability to respond to SMU’s offense proved to be the difference-maker in this game.
Upcoming Games and Merchandise
Looking ahead, Clemson will travel to Notre Dame on Saturday, looking to continue their winning streak. For fans looking to show their support, Section 103 has added a Clemson apparel collection, including polos, hats, stickers, and a variety of shirts. With the promo code STS10, fans can grab some new Clemson gear with 10% off. As the article states, "I try to get a piece of Clemson merch at least every other year, and this season I’m going with our sponsor over at Section 103, which has added a Clemson apparel collection." With their strong performance against SMU, the Tigers are sure to have a loyal following as they head into their next game.
https://www.shakinthesouthland.com/basketball/28080/clemson-knocks-off-smu-74-70
