Clemson and Georgia already have secured thrills in the Charleston Classic.
So each side would like to double that pleasure when they meet in the event’s Palmetto bracket final Sunday afternoon in Charleston, S.C.
Clemson (5-1) rallied from 11 points down in the final 11 minutes to beat West Virginia 70-67 on Friday night. Carter Welling’s late-game offense provided the boost that the Tigers desperately needed.
“Just really proud of my team,” Clemson coach Brad Brownell said. “We just stayed with it and kept grinding and guarding. … To finish one off is really meaningful. Our team found a way. Sometimes those are more important wins for your team long term, that your team just finds a way.”
Georgia (6-0) took its turn with dramatics in the first day’s nightcap, winning 78-77 against Xavier on Marcus Millender’s 3-pointer with 11 seconds to play.
That came after the Bulldogs’ 14-point lead disappeared.
“We were just telling each other to stay calm, stay connected,” Millender said.
For Clemson, Welling’s output came as a result of some different offensive set-ups.
“They made a lot of good decisions,” Brownell said.
Sunday’s challenge should be beneficial in development for the Tigers.
“We have six freshmen, they’re getting knocked on their heels a little bit,” Brownell said.
While Clemson likes to push the ball to the interior, there could be openings on the perimeter. Georgia allowed 11 baskets from 3-point territory vs. Xavier.
With the second game in three days, the teams could be well-positioned with depth. Clemson received a heavy dose of offense — 27 points — from its bench players in the West Virginia game, while Georgia’s backups outscored Xavier by 39-4.
Clemson reached the championship round of the Charleston Classic for the fourth time.
“Coming back to the low country to our fanbase that doesn’t always get to come see us,” Brownell said. “Certainly very appreciative of those who came out (Friday) and hope to see everybody on Sunday.”
–Field Level Media
