Greenville Leader

The Clemson men's basketball team used its dominance inside to outmuscle intrastate rival South Carolina for a 70-56 win Saturday night at Littlejohn Coliseum.  

Hunter Tyson led the way 18 points and 13 rebounds to help the Tigers claim their third straight and sixth consecutive victory on their home court to start the season.

Clemson's inside game was the difference, as the Tigers outrebounded the Gamecocks, 51-35, including grabbing 19 on the offensive end. The edge in offensive boards also resulted in 16 second-chance points for the Tigers, who improved to 8-4 on the young season.

“They just posted us, offensive rebounded us,” South Carolina coach Frank Martin told reporters after the game. “They played with a physicality at the rim that we couldn’t answer. We didn’t have the discipline to defend without fouling. Give them credit. My guys tried. It’s not like they just went out there and fell down. They tried. They just couldn’t do it.”

Clemson took control of the game with a 22-3 run to start the second half. South Carolina tried to answer, compiling 12 straight points during one stretch. But the Gamecocks (8-3) never got within single digits again.

Tyson was 6-of-12 from the floor and 6-of-9 from the free throws, while his teammate P.J. Hall added 16 points. Hall also hauled in eight rebounds and blocked three shots, while David Collins totaled 12 points and eight rebounds for Clemson.

Chico Carter led South Carolina with a season-high 21 points. The junior guard made a career-high nine free throws. 

 Erik Stevenson chipped in 10 points and seven rebounds for the Gamecocks.

South Carolina plays host to Army at Colonial Life Arena on Wednesday at 3 p.m. in its "Salute The Troops" game.

Clemson faced Virginia in a key ACC matchup.