The Tigers move to 4-0 in conference play, beating Cal 80-68.
While not to the same degree as the Stanford game, Clemson started the night a little sloppy, giving up seven turnovers. It single-handedly kept Cal in the game in the first half, with it winning the battle in points off turnovers 12-4, one-third of its points. The Tigers, on the other hand, relied on their three-point shot in the first 20 minutes, knocking down seven baskets.
The second half was completely different. Instead of jacking up threes, Clemson went hard in the paint, with 28 points, and cleaned up turnovers. That was the winning recipe as the Tigers outscored Cal 41-32 in the final period.
One player, in particular, was an overwhelming factor in the second half. Chauncey Wiggins is finding his stride midway through the season. He's now scored back-to-back double-digit points, but tonight, he showed off another aspect of his game.
Wiggins loves to sit in the corner and put up threes, but at 6-foot-10-inches, his frame is built for post-play. Tonight, he used it. Wiggins made four baskets under the rim in the second half in addition to a single trey.
The Tigers will face off against Louisville at the KFC Yum! Center. Clemson is tied at the top of the conference with Duke, but the Blue Devils will have to play a feisty Pitt squad, which is right below Clemson and Duke in the standings. Clemson could potentially take the stop if it takes care of business against the Cardinals and Duke loses.