Clemson Men’s Basketball Team to Play Host to Wofford in Home Opener Wednesday Night

Nov. 18, 2008

Game Setup Site: Littlejohn Coliseum (10,000) Date: Wednesday, November 19, 2008 City: Clemson, SC Time: 7:30 PM TV: ACC Select (Tom Van Hoy) Radio: Clemson Tiger Sports Properties (Pete Yanity, Tim Bourret)

Series Notes Overall: Clemson leads 49-16 at Clemson: Clemson leads 32-8 at Littlejohn: Clemson leads 7-1 at Wofford: Clemson leads 17-8 at Neutral: None played First Meeting: Clemson, 34-23, in 1911-12 Last Meeting: Clemson, 90-66, in 2006-07

Quick Facts This will be the 66th meeting on the hardwood between Clemson and Wofford. The Tigers hold the series advantage 49-16, including a 32-8 record in games played at Clemson. The Tigers have won 12 of their last 13 games against the Terriers.

The last time the two teams played, Clemson won 90-66 at Littlejohn Coliseum in the 2006-07 season behind a strong night from then freshman Trevor Booker, who had 19 points and six rebounds.

Clemson started its season strong by compiling a 3-0 record and winning the inaugural Charleston Classic last weekend. The Tigers defeated Hofstra, TCU, and Temple en route to the 25th regular season tournament championship in school history. It was Clemson’s third regular season tournament title in the last four years alone.

Booker was named tournament MVP at the conclusion of the Charleston Classic after averaging 13.0 points, 13.7 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks per game in the event. Booker was named ACC Co-Player-of-the-Week, along with Kyle Singler of Duke, for his efforts last weekend.

Booker, who had seven blocked shots in the win over TCU, is the ACC’s active leader in the category with 150 for his career. He ranks sixth in Clemson history in total blocks.

Terrence Oglesby led the team in scoring at the Charleston tournament, posting 15 points per game over the three-day stretch. The sophomore sharpshooter made 9-17 (.529) three-point shots.

With five long range makes over the weekend, senior K.C. Rivers moved into third place among the school’s all-time leaders in three-point goals with 217. He passed current NBA player Will Solomon, who had 214 from 1998-2001.

Head Coach Oliver Purnell needs three wins to reach 100 with the Tiger basketball program. He has 353 in his career, including 97 with Clemson since the 2003-04 season.

Three freshmen played for the Tigers over the weekend, including guards Andre Young and Tanner Smith. The two played 15 minutes per game, with Smith posting 11 in the win over Hofstra and Young chipping in with eight in the championship game against Temple. Freshman center Catalin Baciu will sit out against Wofford and Charlotte as he serves the final two games of a five-game suspension for playing in professional games in his home country of Romania.

Clemson and Wofford have a connection through Lady Tiger basketball assistant coach Todd Steelman, whose son Matt is a freshman guard for the Terriers this season. Matt played at Daniel High School in Central the past three seasons.