Notes on Clemson’s 78-77 victory over Virginia

Jan. 18, 2003

*Clemson’s one-point win today was its first victory by one point in any game since Feb. 18, 1992 when the Tigers defeated a 16th ranked Florida State team at Littlejohn Coliseum, 68-67. Clemson had lost nine consecutive games decided by one point, including four under Larry Shyatt.

*Heading into today’s game, Clemson had a 3-15 record against Virginia in games decided by five points or less over the last 30 years. Heading into today, the only wins by five-points or less against the Cavs over that time were a 94-90 overtime win in Charlottesville in 1986-87, a 65-62 win at Clemson in 1987-88, and a 51-48 victory at Clemson in 1991-92.

*When Olu Babalola made both free throws with 5.7 seconds left to give Clemson a 78-77 lead and the eventual victory, it marked the first time since November 30, 1996 that Clemson scored with less than 15 seconds remaining to win a game. Terrell McIntyre made a three-point shot with 12 seconds left to beat Missouri, 47-45 in a game in San Juan, Puerto Rico on that date.

*The is was the first time Clemson has scored the game winning points inside the last 15 seconds in a game at Littlejohn Coliseum since Feb. 21, 1988. Ironically that was also against Virginia. That afternoon Clemson gained victory 65-62 when Elden Campbell scored an old fashion three-point play with just one second left.

*Injury report: Edward Scott played today’s game with a case of the flu. We received an IV after the game. Ray Henderson could have a broken nose. He collided with teammate Sharrod Ford in the second half and did not return. He will have an x-ray on Sunday.

*Sports Illustrated jinx in reverse: Olu Babalola was on the cover of the flip card for today’s game.

*Both teams shot over 55 percent in today’s game. It marked the first time since Feb. 26, 1998 that both teams involved in a Clemson basketball game shot at least 55 percent. Clemson shot 57.4 and NC State 61.0 in Clemson’s 77-72 win at NC State that night. That is also the last time a Clemson opponent shot at least 59 percent from the field in a game the Tigers won.

*Olu Babalola had missed nine consecutive field goal attempts over the last three halves heading into the second half this afternoon’s game with Virginia. But, he made 3-5 from the field and 3-5 from the line in the second half, including the game-winning free throws with just 5.7 seconds left.

*Clemson committed just two turnovers in the second half and just nine for the game. It was Clemson’s fifth game with 10 turnovers or less this year.

*Clemson outscored Virginia in the paint 46-30. Clemson has outscored all 13 or its opponents in the paint this year. Virginia won the rebound battle, just the second time all year Clemson has been out-rebounded.

*Clemson overcame a nine-point deficit in the first half (27-18) to gain victory. It is the largest deficit Clemson has overcome to gain victory this year and the largest Clemson has overcome to gain victory since overcoming a 10-point deficit against Florida State in the final ACC game last year.

*Chris Hobbs is a 62.4 percent free throw shooter for his career. But he made 5-6 today from the line and is now 19-22 for his career against Virginia.