Clemson Men’s Basketball surges past the Gamecocks 72-67

Clemson Men’s Basketball faced their biggest challenge of the season from their archrival, the South Carolina Gamecocks, but they were up to the task.

The Tigers were victorious against the Gamecocks 72-67 in front of an electric crowd at Littlejohn Coliseum on Wednesday night.

Chauncey Wiggins led the Tigers with a career-high 15 points. Ian Schieffelin had a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds.

Three other Tigers – PJ Hall (14), Joe Girard (12), and Chase Hunter (10) – scored in double-digits.

The Tigers had difficulty making their shots in the first half. The Gamecocks jumped out to a 10-2 lead, ultimately taking a seven-point advantage into halftime.

Clemson found their rhythm in the second half, outscoring South Carolina 49-37. Wiggins hit two key three-pointers to put the Tigers ahead late in the game.

Many would have doubted in the preseason that Clemson would be undefeated going into this game. Probably no one would have believed the Gamecocks would be undefeated as well.

Clemson Men’s Basketball showed they can overcome adversity against the Gamecocks

I walk away from this game with a lot of confidence in Clemson’s ability to overcome adversity, but I also think SC is for real. I thought there was a chance they could simply be feasting on a non-conference schedule and would struggle in the SEC, but after last night I think they will be very competitive in their league.

I also walk away thinking they are putting something in the water in Littlejohn Coliseum. I’ve seen hyped crowds at Clemson before, but it’s rare to see them this early in December.

If Tiger Nation can keep this up through ACC play, this could be a special season.

The Tigers are back in action this Saturday. They will head north to Toronto to face the TCU Horned Frogs in the Discount Tire Hall of Fame Series Toronto, presented by Ruoff Mortgage.