Clemson routs FSU to open conference play

CLEMSON -- Much like Wednesday night, but for different reasons, those watching Clemson on Saturday must have wondered this: who are these guys?

In Clemson's 79-59 ACC-opening win against Florida State on Saturday, Milton Jennings performed like a player with a McDonald's All-American pedigree. The junior scored 15 points, grabbed eight rebounds and blocked two shots, playing with much more confidence and aggressiveness in rejoining the starting lineup.

Against the Seminoles (9-6), the Tigers (9-6) looked nothing like the team that struggled to produce offense in non-conference play, easily surpassing their season scoring average (63.6 points per game) against one of the ACC's best defensive teams in Florida State. The Seminoles entered the day leading the conference in field goal percentage defense (35.6 percent).

Clemson's defense was perhaps as good as it's been all season. Clemson made 11 straight defensive stops in the first half to build a double-digit lead and held Florida State to 1.45 points per minute. Clemson football allowed 1.17 points per minute to West Virginia in the Orange Bowl on Wednesday night.

While coach Brad Brownell said this year's team is still far behind where last year's NCAA team was at this point in the season, he noted Saturday's effort was important for morale.

"It's a good step for our confidence," Brownell said. "The players needed that. They need to know when they play well and are locked in and execute and compete, we can beat good teams. And we did that today. But we are also not far removed from being down nine points to East Tennessee State."

After struggling offensively in November and December, Clemson shot 49 percent for the game and produced more assists (14) than turnovers (12).

Bobo Baciu made 3 of 4 field goals and all three of his free throws en route to nine points. Baciu also grabbed five rebounds and blocked two shots. Baciu's performance gives the staff hope he can be a factor down the stretch.

"He's a big kid," Brownell said of the 7-2 senior center. "When he's locked in and confident, he can be a problem."

Baciu said his workouts with assistant coach Mike Winiecki have led to his offensive improvements. They also led to a nickname.

"After workouts he started calling me beast all the time," Baciu said. "He started saying I had to get bigger and stronger."

While Baciu showed promise, Andre Young broke out of a slump, scoring 18 points and making 10 of 12 free throws.