ORLANDO, Fla. – Clemson (1-6) dropped its final game of the UCF Thanksgiving Classic to Buffalo (6-0) by a final score of 61-51 on Sunday. The sophomore duo of Nelly Perry and Justice Wright led the Tigers’ offensively, scoring 13 and 11 points respectively. Clemson outscored Buffalo 43-39 in quarters one, two and four but could not overcome a lackluster performance in the third quarter.
“The third quarter has been our nemesis. We have to do what we do in the first and second quarters in the third quarter.”
Buffalo began the game with two quick baskets to take a 5-0 lead. However, Clemson came storming back, going on an 11-5 run to take an 11-10 lead at the end of the first quarter. The Tigers continued to execute offensively in the second quarter, outscoring the Bulls 14-10 in the quarter and taking a 25-20 lead into intermission.
Buffalo began to click offensively in the third quarter and outscored Clemson 22-8 as the Tigers shot 33.3% in the quarter compared to the Bulls’ 62.5%. The Tigers fought back to score 18 fourth quarter points but it wasn’t enough as Buffalo held on to win.
“We did have some bright spots this weekend in terms of our offensive execution and defensive intensity. Justice Wright is doing a good job for us scoring in the paint. 40 points in the paint to Buffalo’s 24 is great. But it’s a long season and we have many more games to play.”
After four consecutive road contests, Clemson returns home to Jervey Gym on Wednesday, Dec. 2 vs. South Carolina State at 7 p.m.
Notes:
December 13, 2024
December 12, 2024
