Sophomore's 3-pointers help Clemson overcome Downey's career night
AP
Terrence Oglesby had six 3-pointers and scored 25 points as Clemson improved to 13-0 after beating South Carolina on Tuesday.
COLUMBIA — After an all-night, relentless assault on the basket by both teams, 20th-ranked Clemson attacked the hoop a little better and outlasted South Carolina, 98-87, Tuesday night in front of a crowd of 16,168 at Colonial Life Arena.
"I thought it was a hard-fought competitive game between two state rivals," said Clemson coach Oliver Purnell. "One of the things I love about our team is how well they listen, but I don't think they got the message today when I told them how hard South Carolina was going to come out."
Clemson (13-0) shot 55.4 percent from the field and the Gamecocks (9-2) shot 47.7 percent in a game played at a frenetic pace and at a high level of offensive execution.
"We knew coming into this game that Clemson was a good basketball team," said South Carolina coach Darrin Horn. "After playing them, I think they're worthy of their ranking. Our guys fought, but that's not good enough. We're here to win. We're not happy with how we performed."
South Carolina guard Devan Downey scored a career-high 37 points, but the sum of Clemson's parts was too much for the Gamecocks.
Clemson guard Terrence Oglesby scored 25 points and backcourt mate K.C. Rivers scored 20.
"Oglesby's a big-time threat for us and a dangerous player," Purnell said. "As long as he plays within himself and is patient, he's like an assassin out there. He's getting better and better all the time."
Oglesby was particularly effective in the second half, seeming to come up with a key basket every time South Carolina made a run.
The Tigers led by as many as 18 points in the second half, but South
Carolina cut the lead to six with 10:30 to play.
Then Oglesby made a 3-pointer and converted a layup following a steal to push the lead back to 10.
With 4:24 to play, South Carolina cut the lead to eight, but Oglesby made a 3-point shot to make the lead 11.
"I thought the biggest difference in the second half were the three 3's that Oglesby made," said Horn. "Those all came at critical times. If those don't go down and we can get a score, it kind of changes how the game goes."
It was Clemson's fifth straight win over the Gamecocks.
"I'm not sure how many times in a row, but it always feels good to beat your in-state rival," said Clemson forward Trevor Booker.
Clemson led 56-44 at halftime after dominating the closing minutes of the first half.
Leading 41-38 with 2:55 to play, the Tigers closed the half on a 15-6 run.
"I thought we outplayed them for the first four minutes, but they outplayed us for the next 16 minutes," Downey said. "We played them pretty much even the second half, but you can't let them outplay you like that and expect to win."
The Tigers shot 57.5 percent from the field in the first half, while USC shot 51.5 percent.
The game started at a frenzied pace, with South Carolina jumping out to a 14-3 lead.
The pace remained relentless and the game stayed tight until Clemson made its late run at the end of the half.
"We didn't get rattled," Purnell said. "We kind of settled into playing our game. We took a quick timeout and reviewed some things we wanted to do."
3-Point — Clem 10-21 (Oglesby 6-10, Rivers 2-4, Potter 1-1, Young 1-4, Smith 0-2); USC 4-12 (Fredrick 2-5, Archie 1-2, Downey 1-4, Raley-Ross 0-1). Steals — Clem 11 (Young 4); USC 8 (Downey 5). Blks — Clem 6 (Booker 3); USC 1 (Archie). Turnovers — CLEM 20 (Sykes, Oglesby, Stitt 4); USC 17 (Downey 8). Technicals — None.
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Comments
ashleyriver (anonymous) says...
The Tigers showed some rust from the long layoff and got off to a sloppy, inaccurate start which ultimately showed in the turnover stats. But its difficult to simulate in practice an Oliver Purnell press thats hitting on all cylinders. And the relentless pace resulted in some spectacular plays/dunks on both sides.
Terrence "The Assassin" Oglesby (thanks, OP!) must be closely guarded every second he's on the floor because his range extends far beyond the 3-point line he's capable of having a 20-30 point effort any night. True freshman, 18-year old Andre Young is to be lauded for job he did coming in for Demontez Stitt who got in early foul trouble.
Devan Downey can start on almost any team in the country--and proved it last night.
December 31, 2008 at 7:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
theronce (anonymous) says...
That was one of the best games between these two for offense. CU seems to be a mature team, and the SEC better watch out for SC.
December 31, 2008 at 7:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sptiger (anonymous) says...
Congrats to both teams are in order as it was a very hard fought game and closer than the score would lead you to believe. If you're a Tiger fan, you were more than likely sitting on the edge of your seat for most of the game as Devan Downey is a heck of a baller. Good luck to carolina from here on out and go tigers.
December 31, 2008 at 8:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tgrfan2 (anonymous) says...
It looks like USC has found a BB coach that can make the most of his talent. Downey was unreal. Some of his shots reminded me of Skip Wise. When we got the big lead, I thought we would blow them out. Downey kept bringing them back.
USC earned my respect last night and I hope they make a great run in the SEC.
December 31, 2008 at 8:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bigriver1 (anonymous) says...
What now lamecocks? Table tennis? LOL.
Clemson = sc daddy.
December 31, 2008 at 8:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
uscsax (anonymous) says...
bigirver, classy as always. Ogelsby was amazing. I don't think I've ever seen one guy change the momentum of a game that many times. Every time SC would get it back to 6 or 7, he'd drain one. Good game, after these next two the Tigers got a tough road, good luck.
December 31, 2008 at 8:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
softbatch (anonymous) says...
no surprise on the outcome, although it was closer than I thought it would be. Downy is pretty good, now lets see if the baseball team can make it a clean sweep over SC in the big 3 sports this year.
December 31, 2008 at 9:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCHoser (anonymous) says...
What a game! Both teams showed up at least-play of the game was Oblesby hitting the 3, then stealing the inbounds and laying it up! Just a great game all the way around, and yes-I was sitting on the edge of me seat for most of the game!
December 31, 2008 at 9:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
surfer (anonymous) says...
Incredible game. Congrats on the win. It's amazing the way Purnell has turned that tiger basketball team around, and I think the comments above are right about Darren Horn too. We've finally got a coach of our own who seems to have what it takes to get us back into some national prominence over the next several years. The commentators were spot on during the commentating last night too talking about the conditioning of USC. We play a press style D like Clemson, but Dave Odom left us with so few scholarship players that we can't pratice against the same style of D because we don't have enough players. That showed, especially at the end of the halves.
On another note notice bigriver doesn't even make any references to the game itself. He must have been watching Bravo or something and missed it.
December 31, 2008 at 9:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
RedfishRunner (anonymous) says...
Congrats to both teams for playing the game as it should be played .... all out and fair. And if I can wander off a little bit .... wouldn't it be cool if lowcountry fans of both teams can get this match-up occasionally at the North Chuck Coliseum?
December 31, 2008 at 9:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
softbatch (anonymous) says...
A rotation of every 3 years between CU, USC and Charleston would be great, but you'd never get the AD's and presidents on board unless they recieved a large check, which probably wouldn't make it feasable for Charleston. Great idea though.
December 31, 2008 at 10:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wanj (anonymous) says...
Why is Darren Horn the coach of the future. He inherited a great point guard, and has lost by eleven at home to the one ranked team he has played against. And lets face it a loss to CofC is not something to be very proud of. I guess you always have to search for the light at the end of the tunnel just don't see it yet
December 31, 2008 at 10:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
uscsax (anonymous) says...
Why is he the coach of the future, you are aware that there are only 8 scholarship players on this team, the remaining players are walk-ons. Dave's recruiting was always in the toilet and got worse the last two years. He's done more with this squad than most believed he'd be able. He's got some good recruits already committed and is building. This same group of players under Odom would have lost like the last couple of Odom teams did to Clemson. It's called improvement in a short period of time with limited talent. That's why he's the coach of the future.
December 31, 2008 at 10:18 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
divorced28 (anonymous) says...
Hey it was one great game to watch. I am very pleased with the class almost everyone showed in thier comments. Bigriver & wanj I just want to say GROW*UP!!
December 31, 2008 at 10:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wanj (anonymous) says...
I can't be critical of a comment in a blog.? Aww did someone take offense and try to be mr. internet tough guy. I just don't see why everyone is getting so excited about a program that has lost to one good team and a very marginal team.
I am sorry to offend you divorced but if you can't ask questions on a message board, you may need some help. And it goes well beyond growing up, you might want to look at why your name is divorced.
December 31, 2008 at 10:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
IOP4ME (anonymous) says...
Clemson showed that they might be for real this season. Both teams have had fairly easy schedules up to this point, and this was a true test for each. Both teams definitely showed up and put on a great show. This is going to be a good year for college hoops in the state. I could see maybe three teams in the tournament this year. CofC put Davidson to a tough test the other night and I'm looking forward to their next contest at UNC.
December 31, 2008 at 11:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
theronce (anonymous) says...
It shouldn't be too much trouble to get a home and home arrangement between CU and USC. I understand why they dread playing other state teams, but they have to understand too that other state teams are pretty good from time to time and almost always could use the check. We did have 5 teams in the big dance a few years ago.
December 31, 2008 at 12:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
notafan (anonymous) says...
Awwwww I see bigriver graced us with some in depth informative analysis. bigriver should be used as the spokesperson for what happens when condems are not used properly.
Hey bigriver the next time you have one of your in-depth ananlysis do us all a favor and let it go.
Clemson looked really good last night. It should be an interesting year in the ACC if they can keep it up. Hopefully, Horn can get the Gamecocks to that level.
December 31, 2008 at 12:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ashleyriver (anonymous) says...
IOP4ME---gotta disagree with you on the "easy schedules"---Clemson has indeed played a good schedule thus far and was a week or so ago ranked #1 in RPI (strength of schedule index). They were still ranked #5 the last time I looked a few days ago.
Just a brief, non-inclusive recount: the Tigers have played Illinois, Miami, Temple, TCU, uncc, and now usc all on either the opposing home court or a neutral court.
Anyhow, they've got a top 10 Wake team coming into Littlejohn in a week. That'll be another strong test
December 31, 2008 at 1:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
notafan (anonymous) says...
At least Clemson plays ranked teams in one sport. When is the football team going to follow???
December 31, 2008 at 1:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
softbatch (anonymous) says...
Clemson had the 7th hardest schedule in football of all the 119 teams. ACC was the best overall conference in America. Out of Clemson's 4 non-conference games, 2 came from the "god almighty" SEC. 2 games were against DAA teams, which should tell you how hard their schedule was to still have the 7th toughest.
December 31, 2008 at 1:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sptiger (anonymous) says...
knownothingfan - what did the score board in death valley say at the end of 60 minutes of football on Nov. 29th, 2008? I won't hold my breath waiting for your response and you should know better than to back talk your daddy!!! You're probably too much of a coward to reply back with the answer anyways. Run along know and don't eat too many paint chips while ringing in the New Year! To the sensible, logical, and rational usc fans - have a happy & safe new year.
Quote of the year:
"What do you want me to do Ron???" - Sir Stephen Orr Spurrier
December 31, 2008 at 2:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sptiger (anonymous) says...
knownothingfan - what did the score board in death valley say at the end of 60 minutes of football on Nov. 29th, 2008? I won't hold my breath waiting for your response and you should know better than to back talk your daddy!!! You're probably too much of a coward to reply back with the answer anyways. Run along now and don't eat too many paint chips while ringing in the New Year! To the sensible, logical, and rational usc fans - have a happy & safe new year.
Quote of the year:
"What do you want me to do Ron???" - Sir Stephen Orr Spurrier
December 31, 2008 at 2:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ashleyriver (anonymous) says...
notafan---Clemson's football team played a minimum of 5 teams that were ranked at some point in the season (might be 6--can't remember if BC was ever ranked)...that of course includes the chickens who, like Clemson, were ranked for about 30 seconds.....thats relatively close to the same number of ranked teams the chickens played last season in a down year for the SEC---btw, did you guys play any non-conference teams that were ranked?
and also btw----in a previous post I indicated that Clemson basketball had been ranked recently #1 ---wanna guess what usc's ranking was at that same time??? Thats right---DEAD LAST OUT OF 347 TEAMS! Thats nearly beyond belief
December 31, 2008 at 2:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
facman (anonymous) says...
Dang, I was about to toss my cookies with all that nicy-nice talk. You almost got the feeling Tiger Nation and Gamecock Nation could be civil. Alas, the facade was rent in two and the true colors came beaming through.
Hey, btw, I heard you can get free Outback Bowl tickets at all I26, I85 and I95 rest stops.
I couldn't resist. Truthfully, Good luck Palmetto State!!!
December 31, 2008 at 4:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bigriver1 (anonymous) says...
Clemson = sc DADDY! Football, basketball, ping pong does not matter, they own sc!
December 31, 2008 at 4:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
youmanyo (anonymous) says...
Heck of a game . That Downey was unreal.
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/teams/p...
December 31, 2008 at 5:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
TTBoy (anonymous) says...
notafan always clucking it up. good thing the chickens made it on the top plays (ESPN dec.30, 2008) two of yer chix got POSTERIZED in the same game. adding to the humiliation the chickens were fighting each other - who could sit the bench!
ha ha ha what a pair of DUNKS on yer playas! BLING BLING crybaby!
yet again....OWNED
December 31, 2008 at 7:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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