Dec. 23, 2006

Final Stats

Clemson, S.C. - Western Carolina, playing without three starters, could not withstand a Clemson run at the end of the first half and another to start the second as the 22nd-ranked Tigers handed the Catamounts a 103-60 setback Saturday afternoon at Littlejohn Coliseum. Clemson (12-0) got 24 points and eight rebounds from K.C. Rivers while four others scored in double figures.

The Tigers, leading by just one with 6:07 left in the first half, ended the period with a 15-5 run to take a 44-29 lead at the break.

While Western was able to execute its offense to start the second half, several missed layups and the hot shooting from Rivers put the Tigers on a 29-4 run with the 39-point deficit (76-37) too much to overcome for the Catamounts. Rivers hit five treys in the second half, including three straight to essentially seal the win.

The Catamounts were without Nick Aldridge, Arnold Gore and Brandon Giles, who were suspended one game for a violation of teams rules. However, Western handled Clemson touted press, committing just 13 turnovers. Also, the Cats shot well from 3-point range in the first half with six of its nine field goals being treys.

Midway through the first half, Western would build a four-point lead (15-11). Then with just over nine minutes remaining before the break, Negus McKenna hit a 3-pointer for a 3-point WCU lead (23-20). However, Vernon Hamilton answered with a jumper for Clemson and James Mays would convert a fast break dunk putting the Tigers up one (24-23), which was a lead their would not relinquish the remainder of the contest.

Rivers finished the game making 8-of-12 from the field, including 6-of-9 from 3-point range. Mays, who had a game-high seven assists, added a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds. They were joined in double figures by Cliff Hammons (17), Hamilton (12) and Matt Morris (11).

The Catamounts were led by McKenna's 16 points and six rebounds, while Antonio Russell contributed 13 points. With the suspensions, McKenna and Eric Wilson (nine points and four rebounds) got their first start in three games, while Jake Robinson (nine points and five rebounds) registered his first career start.

Western Carolina will fly out to Moraga, Calif., Tuesday morning as the team will play St. Mary's on Dec. 28 at 7:30 pm (PT). On the following day, the Catamounts will play either Rice or Belmont, depending on who wins and losses on day one. Game times for day two are set for 5 and 7:30 pm (PT).