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CLEMSON, S.C. - Clemson got just what it needed against East Tennessee State. Now, Devin Booker hopes the Tigers can carry that into ACC play.
Clemson overcame a nine-point second-half deficit behind Booker's career-high 22 points Sunday to defeat the Bucs 65-58 and give itself some momentum before beginning league games next weekend.
"It was a high-intensity game," Booker said. "Hopefully, that we were able to get a win before that (the start of conference play), it motivates us and we can keep this momentum going."
The Tigers (8-6) have six freshmen on their roster and have struggled at times to replace the leadership and scoring of last season's standout seniors, Demontez Stitt and Jerai Grant.
Clemson already had lost to mid-majors Coastal Carolina and College of Charleston at Littlejohn Coliseum and had come off a 1-2 showing at last week's Diamond Head Classic in Hawaii.
The sluggishness showed itself again in this one as East Tennessee State (5-7) stood toe-to-toe with the Tigers and led 41-32 with 16 minutes remaining. That's when Clemson, led by Booker, found its missing intensity and firepower.
Booker, the 6-foot-8 brother of Washington Wizards forward Trevor Booker, had three inside baskets in a 12-2 run that rallied Clemson to a 44-43 lead.
When East Tennessee State fought back for a 47-46 lead, T.J. Sapp struck with his fourth and final 3-pointer to put the Tigers out front for good.
