Notre Dame Edges Clemson 60-58

CLEMSON, S.C. (CU SID) — A last second Damarcus Harrison three-pointer fell just short as 10th-ranked Notre Dame knocked off Clemson, 60-58 in Littlejohn Coliseum on Tuesday. The Fighting Irish improved to 22-4 (10-3 in ACC) and the Tigers fell to 14-10 (6-6) in what turned out to be a thrilling contest in front of nearly 9,000 fans. With the game tied at 56 with 2:20 remaining, Notre Dame guard Demetrius Jackson drove through the Tiger defenders and connected on a layup and a turnover on the ensuing possession gave the ball back to the Fighting Irish. After bleeding the shot clock, star guard Jerian Grant missed a jumper, but a Notre Dame rebound continued the possession. With the shot clock winding down, Grant drove again and shot over Hall, burying the jumper to stretch the Notre Dame lead to 60-56. With only 44 seconds remaining, Hall drove the length of the court and finished an acrobatic layup to cut the lead to 60-58. Shortly after the Fighting Irish inbounded the ball, Jackson was fouled, but missed the front end of the bonus. The Tigers had a chance to tie or take the lead on the final possession, but a Jaron Blossomgame runner fell short and after a quick steal on a Notre Dame rebound, Harrsion unloaded a deep three attempt that bounced off the front iron as time expired. “There were a couple of times with four minutes left that we had a four point lead going to the free throw line and we just have to make plays down the stretch to win those games,” Blossomgame said. “When it‘s a close game against a ranked opponent on our home court we have to find a way to win.” Blossomgame led the Tigers in scoring with 17 points and also snagged 14 rebounds for his team-leading seventh double-double on the season. Harrison also had a banner day, recording 15 points and burying 3-of-5 from long range. The Tigers are back in action Saturday at noon against ACC foe Virginia Tech. Tickets are available by calling 1-800-CLEMSON and at ClemsonTigers.com.