Hamilton Propels Tigers Over Boston College

by CU Athletic Communications - Wed Dec 31 00:48:05 GMT-04:00 2003

CLEMSON -- Clemson sent a clear message Tuesday night that it shouldn't be ignored in the "new" ACC, which will ultimately include Tuesday night's victim, Boston College.

The Tigers might struggle this season, but they won't be automatically placed behind the newcomers when they arrive based on their 72-62 win over Boston College.

Clemson (7-4) led the Eagles (9-2) by as much as 24 points in the second half and held off a late run by going 10 of 12 on the free throw line over the final 2 minutes.

Clemson’s freshman guard Vernon Hamilton just missed a triple-double with 13 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists. Olu Babulola and Chey Christie added 10 and 12 respectively.

“Vernon did a nice job on the boards and assisting without turning the ball over much,” said Clemson head coach Oliver Purnell. “I thought he did a very nice job.”

Chris Hobbs had 11 points and six rebounds but went down hard in the second half and did not return.

Craig Smith led the Eagles with 28 points.

Hamilton got the Tigers off to a good start with a steal and layup that gave Clemson a 10-0 lead to open the game. It was Hamilton who also keyed another 10-0 run to start the second half.

Clemson led 34-20 at the half on a bucket by Hamilton.

Oliver Purnell will get his first taste of ACC play on Saturday in Littlejohn against the Duke Blue Devils.

CLEMSON (7-4)

Babalola 2-5 4-4 10, Hobbs 5-11 1-1 11, Ford 1-2 2-2 4, Hamilton 6-12 1-2

13, Christie 3-4 4-4 12, Williams 0-0 0-0 0, Rice 2-4 0-0 4, Shay 0-0 0-0 0,

Long 0-0 0-0 0, Hudson 0-0 0-0 0, Robinson 5-8 0-1 13, Akingbala 2-3 1-2 5.

Totals 26-49 13-16 72.

BOSTON COLLEGE (9-2)

Smith 10-23 6-9 28, Dudley 3-12 0-0 6, Agbai 0-3 0-0 0, Hinnant 0-5 1-2 1,

Marshall 0-2 0-0 0, Watson 3-8 2-2 8, Hailey 3-5 3-3 9, Doornekamp 3-5 1-1 7,

Evertsen 1-6 0-0 3. Totals 23-69 13-17 62.

Halftime-Clemson 34-20. 3-Point goals-Boston College 3-14 (Smith 2-2,