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Postgame report: USC-Clemson
Posted on 11.20.08
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KEY MOMENT: After whittling the Tigers’ lead to four points at 37-33 with about 13 minutes left, USC went five possessions without scoring. The stretch included three consecutive possessions that ended with a turnover, allowing Clemson to stretch its lead to double digits.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: The Gamecocks continue to struggle with their shooting. After hitting 25.5 percent of its shots in a 56-42 loss at Penn State on Sunday, USC was 32.7 percent from the floor (16 of 49) against the Tigers.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Clemson guard Lele Hardy did a little bit of everything for the Tigers. The 5-foot-10 junior from Spartanburg led all scorers with 17 points on 6-of-15 shooting and added nine rebounds and seven steals.
The buzz
Though she will be recruiting against her, Clemson coach Cristy McKinney believes the arrival of Dawn Staley at USC could help women’s basketball around the state.
“She’s huge. She’s got such a great reputation and she’s going to do a great job,” said McKinney, an N.C. State graduate in her fourth season at Clemson. “I hope it raises the level of play in the South Carolina high schools, too. Hopefully, kids will get more interested and it will raise the level of play throughout the state.”
That’s Ms. to you. Clemson guard Lele Hardy, a Spartanburg native who was Miss Basketball in the state in 2006, said she was recruited by the Gamecocks but never took an official visit to USC.
“They recruited me hard,” said Hardy, who had 17 points, nine rebounds and seven steals. “I was recruited by a lot (of schools), but Clemson is where I want to be.”
Fun and games dept. The Gamecocks staged several promotions, including a halftime game featuring mascots of several Southeast sports teams and area businesses. Sir Purr of the Carolina Panthers had the only basket. ... Wednesday’s game marked the 100th women’s game at the 6-year-old arena. Officials served cake to fans to mark the occasion. ... Several USC coaches from other sports were in attendance, including men’s basketball coach Darrin Horn, women’s soccer coach Shelley Smith and assistant football coach Ron Cooper.
— Joseph Person
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