Late Clemson Run Comes Up Short Against S.C. State

Dec. 11, 1999

CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) – Mike Wiatre scored a game-high 26 points and the Bulldogs hit their free throws Saturday as South Carolina State claimed a 71-68 victory over Clemson.

South Carolina State (2-4) led by as many as 15 points in the second half, but Clemson (3-5) closed to within 66-64 with 1:31 left.

Arthur Carlisle hit one of two free throws with 58 seconds left to extend South Carolina State’s lead to 67-64, but Will Solomon’s score 20 seconds later brought Clemson within 67-66.

Wiatre was fouled with 35 seconds left and hit both free throws, putting the Bulldogs up 69-66. But Solomon scored on a driving layup, once again bringing the Tigers within one, 69-68, with 13 seconds left.

Solomon fouled John Shivers on the inbounds pass, and Shivers hit both free throws to give South Carolina State a 71-68 lead with 12 seconds left. Clemson was unable to score as the clock ran out.

Clemson tied the game at 15-15 with 12:47 left in the first half, but the Bulldogs closed the period with a 19-9 run, going into halftime up 34-24. Wiatre’s 3-pointer from the wing helped South Carolina State extend its lead to 44-29 early in the second half.

James Jones added 17 points for the Bulldogs, and Carlisle finished with 10 points.

Clemson was led by Solomon’s 22 points. Adam Allenspach scored 18 points, and Arturas Javtokas had 10.