Purnell gives team reason to re-focus

TAMPA, Fla. — To head off an early NCAA tournament exit, Clemson coach Oliver Purnell gave his team the boot.

Allegedly displeased with their sense of urgency, Purnell prematurely ended the Tigers’ practice Wednesday morning at the University of Tampa, the only time he has run the team off the court this season.

There was no mistaking the motivational message Purnell intended to deliver once fifth-seeded Clemson arrived to prepare for today’s game against No. 12 seed Villanova.

“It’s one-and-done now or one-and-advance,” Purnell said. “I just wanted to make sure they understood that.”

A different angle. Unlike nearly any team Clemson has faced this season, Villanova tends to front opposing post players, using its forwards to deny entry passes while counting on help defense to counter lobs over the top.

It figures to mean Tigers big men Trevor Booker and James Mays will have to find a different way to exploit Clemson’s interior advantage. The duo has made a living down the stretch by finding the other for scores when double-teamed.

“We’ve made adjustments, and hopefully they will pay off,” Mays said.

No laughing matter. Villanova coach Jay Wright said he had to stop chuckling when showing film of Clemson freshman guard Terrence Oglesby.

“If he gets it going, it’s just not natural to guard somebody that far from the basket,” Wright said. “You have to guard him where he is after halfcourt.”

Pressing on. The Wildcats have seen a variety of fullcourt presses this season, but none of the scheme and intensity Clemson wields, guard Scottie Reynolds said.

Wright said Mays’ ability to be disruptive at the front end of their diamond-shaped press gives the Tigers a luxury others do not possess.

“Plus they’re conditioned so well, they can do it for 40 minutes,” Wright said.

One to grow on. No one should have a handle on Clemson’s timeout situation tonight more than junior guard K.C. Rivers.

Rivers’ most memorable NCAA tournament recollection is the look on Chris Webber’s face when he called a timeout Michigan did not have in the 1993 championship, sealing the title for North Carolina.

“The timeout that did it all,” said Rivers, who grew up a Duke fan. “It’s the least likeliest game-changing moment of them all. You’ve just got to know the situation so you’re prepared for it.”