Tobacco Road Report

By David

In the midst of preparing for hari kari this week, I paused and decided to believe in Al Skinner's ability to maintain BC's winning ways. If this game was to be an answer questions about how the Eagles will play without Sean Williams, and whether they will be dancing in March, the answer is not to the liking of the Chestnut Hill faithful. Clemson really controlled the inside and shot the lights out from outside for the 74-54 victory.

The absence of Williams will be a problem for interior defense without a doubt. I think the bigger question was how it impaired the offense. It looks like Jared Dudley (13 points, 7 rebounds) will need to work harder to get his points. There really is no credible inside play at this point allowing for overplay on the likes of Dudley and Sean Marshall (10 points, 3 rebounds). The Eagles will need better outside shooting as well. They went just 1 for 6 from behind the 3 point line. They need more attempts and need to hit them and to extend the defense.

BC looked like just what Clemson needed. As a team the Tigers shot over 50% from the field and 50% from behind the arc. This, by the way is an underrated part of Williams shot blocking. When he rotated out to the top of the key in some of the defensive match-ups and blocked outside jumpers. These often started Eagle fast break chances.

Cliff Hammonds (17 points) and James Mays (14 points, 6 rebounds) provided outstanding individual performances for the Tigers. Clemson looked ready to regain their early season form and take the steps necessary to win the ACC. We will have to see though since their schedule is not the easiest.

As for BC I would recommend giving them another chance. They are still dealing with the shock of losing Williams, and to a lesser extent McLain. If anyone can keep this understaffed team on track it is Al Skinner. This is the kind of disaster that can damage a program for more than a few seasons.