Shyatt’s Clemson Return a Success

November 13, 1998

CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) – Terrell McIntyre, the 5-foot-9 point guard who only coach Larry Shyatt believed at first could be an NCAA star, scored 27 points Friday to make Shyatt’s Clemson return a success with a 83-59 victory over Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

McIntyre was a little regarded prospect from Raeford, N.C., who seemed headed to nearby North Carolina-Wilmington until Shyatt went for a look.

The Clemson assistant immediately called his boss, Tigers coach Rick Barnes, and told him, “You’ve got to see this guy.”

McIntyre continued his amazing run for Shyatt, coaching his first game since taking over for Barnes, who left for Texas in April.

He broke open a close game in the first half, scoring Clemson’s final 13 points for a 38-27 halftime lead.

The Golden Lions never got closer than nine points in the second half as the Tigers won their 14th straight season opener.

Clemson’s Harold Jamison had 14 points and eight rebounds, while Tom Wideman scored 14 and had 10 rebounds.

Terrance Duncan led Arkansas-Pine Bluff with 21 points.

McIntyre teamed with Greg Buckner the past three seasons as Barnes led the Tigers to three NCAA tournament appearances and a higher profile in Atlantic Coast Conference.

But without Buckner, drafted by the Dallas Mavericks in June, and Barnes, McIntyre has been asked to take more of the load.

McIntyre missed the only three shots he took in the first 12 minutes, continually passing off to Clemson’s big frontline. But with Arkansas-Pine Bluff trailing only 19-18, McIntyre took control.

He hit a layup and got fouled for a three-point play to start his run. He then added two 3-pointers, three foul shots and a cutting layup. By the time he scooped in layup with 12 seconds to go in the half, the Tigers were comfortably on their way to victory.

There were signs in the partially filled Littlejohn Coliseum that fans have embraced Shyatt after the shock of losing Barnes. A “Rick’s Barnestormers” sign up for all games was replaced by “Larry’s Loonies.” The student section chanted “Lar-ry Shy-att” several times at the start.

Shyatt has also reveled in his return after a year at Wyoming: He came out wearing a blue tie with Clemson tiger paws.

By PETE IACOBELLI AP Sports Writer