Clemson looks to snap a two-game in-state losing streak when the Tigers host Furman on Friday night at Littlejohn Coliseum.
Clemson lost 72-69 to the College of Charleston Saturday, then fell 60-59 on a last-second tip-in to Coastal Carolina and former Clemson coach Cliff Ellis on Tuesday.
The Tigers (2-2) blew a four-point lead with less than two minutes left, allowing Coastal Carolina to shoot 63.6 percent from the field in the second half.
Senior guard Andre Young scored 20 points to lead the Tigers, who shot 8-of-13 (61.5 percent) from the free-throw line and gave up two offensive rebounds in the final eight seconds. The Tigers are allowing 56.5 points to the opposition.
The Paladins (3-1) rebounded from their first loss of the season with a 63-51 victory over Loyola (Ill.) on Sunday. The Tigers lead the all-time series 96-51. Furman has lost 27 consecutive games to Clemson, dating back to 1978.
The Paladins lost four starters from last season’s 22-11 squad, but strong defense has sparked the Paladins’ solid start.
Furman is allowing just 56.0 points and holding opponents to 38.8 percent shooting. Against Loyola, the Paladins committed just four turnovers and shot 46.7 percent.
Brandon Sebirumbi and Richard Brown each scored 14 points against Loyola, and Furman hit seven 3-pointers. The Paladins reached 20 wins last season for the first time since 1991.
