Under Head Coach Darian Devries, Drake has become a "tough out". That was evident Saturday, as it took Clemson more than the regular 40 minutes to put Drake away. A 16-6 advantage in OT led Clemson to a 90-80 win over the Bulldogs in Atlanta. It was a game in which Clemson led by double digits at various points in the 1st half and led 39-32 at the break.
Drake wouldn't go away though, they outscored Clemson in the 2nd half 42-35 to force OT. Clemson had a size advantage and used it to outrebound Drake 12-7 on the offensive glass. Both teams made 11 3's each in the game, but Clemson shot 42% to Drake's 36%. Close games often are decided at the foul line, Clemson was 23 of 27 from the stripe for the game.
Drake had 6 players in double figures on the day, Freshman Tucker Devries had a team high 19. Shanquan Hemphill added 15 for Drake and four others had between 10 and 13 points each. Clemson had two players with double-doubles, PJ Hall had a game high 22 points and 13 boards and David Collins added 16 and 10. Clemson's backcourt duo of Al-Amir Dawes and Nick Honor combined for 31 points and 7 assists while turning it over just twice all game.
The win Saturday stopped a skid for Clemson in which they had lost 4 of their last 5 games. Drake had won three straight prior to Saturday's set back. Clemson is now 6-4, they host Miami (Ohio) on Tuesday night. They then cap off the coming week when they host rival South Carolina, Saturday night December 18th.
