Clemson To Meet Penn State In ACC vs. Big Ten Challenge

July 2, 2002

Clemson, SC – Clemson will play host to Penn State in the ACC vs. Big Ten Challenge at The Civic Center of Anderson on Tuesday, December 3, 2002 at 7:30 PM. The contest will be televised nationally on ESPN-2.

This will be the third time in the last four years that Penn State and Clemson have faced each other in the ACC vs. Big Ten Challenge. This will be the rubber match. Penn State defeated Clemson 85-75 in 1999-00, but the Tigers came back and gained victory 79-66 last season. Both games were played at State College, PA.

Clemson had one of its finest outings of the 2001-02 season in the win over the Nittany Lions. Chris Hobbs had a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Chey Christie added 16 points off the bench. Thomas Nagys and Sharrod Ford also scored in double figures, while Edward Scott had eight points, nine assists and seven rebounds. All five of those players return for the Tigers this coming season.

Clemson has a 2-1 record in the three previous ACC vs. Big Ten Challenges. In addition to the two games with Penn State, Clemson also gained victory over Northwestern in Littlejohn Coliseum two years ago. Overall, Clemson has a 6-14 record against the Big Ten.

“We are pleased to be a part of a great event,” said Clemson Head Coach Larry Shyatt. “We have played two games at Penn State previously so it will be good to have them come to South Carolina. “This will be a great day for the city of Anderson. The game will be shown nationally on ESPN-2. The city of Anderson deserves this exposure.”

Clemson will actually have two games in December televised nationally from The Civic Center of Anderson. he December 22nd game with Cincinnati will be part of the FOX Sports Net Sunday night package.

The complete Clemson basketball schedule will be announced in early August.