Game report by Bill from Tampa
Florida State got down by 17 points in the first half. Unlike the Sunday game against Duke, the Seminoles could not climb out of that hole losing to Clemson 71-58.
As has been the case for the past five seasons,
FSU has not played well in Clemson's Littlejohn Coliseum. This game was no exception.
None of the ‘Noles in no way brought their “A” game, except for Al Thornton who was hammered all night long. For most of the game it appeared the Seminoles were in a daze apparently hung over from the win at Cameron.
There was poor shooting, just 37% that included 4 of 18 three pointers. At least the ‘Noles were 80% from the free throw line.
Then there was the poor defense allowing Clemson to shoot 51% from the floor. The Tigers time and again took advantage of FSU’s overplaying defense, slashing in from the wings or baseline, constantly giving Clemson uncontested lay ups.
Just about all of it was ugly for FSU. It’s just how Clemson likes to make you play and FSU obliged.
Leonard Hamilton had nothing to say about his team’s performance on his post game radio show. That’s because the coach never showed up for the show, instead spending an extended period of time talking to his team in the locker room. One can only assume it was not to compliment them on a game well played.
The obvious game plan for Clemson was to key on Thornton and make it as difficult as possible for him to score. While Thornton did score 21 points, he had to work extremely hard for them. The senior was just 4 of 14 from the floor and was fouled hard virtually every time he put up a shot. He had just 9 points shooting with the remainder coming from the line.
FSU never led in the game and was down 31-14 with 5:56 to
play in the first half. Clemson contested every possession relentlessly and at one point forced three straight possessions where the ‘Noles were forced to take a poor shot before the shot clock expired.
FSU could only close the gap at the half to 36-25.
The Tribe finally did make a run at the Tigers, pulling to within six, 51-45 with 7:13 to play, when Ryan Reid put back a Thornton miss. But Reid and Jason Rich both turned the ball over on the next two FSU possessions and CU capitalized on the miscues.
Shortly after that FSU got it back down to five, 55-50, with 4:14 to play. But FSU scored just two baskets from that point on. Clemson meanwhile never stopped attacking the basket and made constant trips to the charity stripe outscoring FSU 16-8 in that span.
Clemson put three players in double figures led by K.C. Rivers’ 17 points. The reserve guard had recently been in a five game slump but got off to a quick start with seven points in just over three minutes early in the game.
With the loss Florida State drops to 17-7, 5-5 and is now behind the Tigers in the conference standings due to being swept. The ‘Noles will attempt to regroup hosting Boston College on Sunday at 3:00 PM. The game will be shown on FSN-FL.
Comments? Questions? Kudos?