Brad Brownell suffers another close ACC loss

Story from Clemson SID:

Clemson rallied from a 17-point deficit and had the ball with a chance to tie or win in the final seconds, but Tanner Smith’s baseline shot fell off the rim and Virginia Tech escaped with a 67-65 victory on Saturday at Cassell Coliseum. The Hokies improved to 13-10 overall, 2-6 in the ACC. The Tigers dropped to 11-11 on the season, 3-5 in conference play.

AUDIO: Brad Brownell postgame interview with Pete Yanity

K.J. McDaniels almost single-handedly put the Tigers on his back in the second half, as he scored eight of his team-high 14 points to lead Clemson’s gritty effort after a horrid offensive start to the game. He made 7-of-11 field goals, which included five dunks. He also had five rebounds and five blocked shots in a career-high 28 minutes of action.

The Tigers had four players in double figures. Andre Young also posted 14 points, 10 in the second half. He struggled shooting the ball from the field, making only four of 13 attempts. But, he was perfect from the charity stripe in four tries. Devin Booker added 11 points and 11 rebounds, his third double-double of the season. Tanner Smith also reached double figures with 10.

Virginia Tech was led by Jarell Eddie, who scored a game-high 15 points. He was supported by 12 points from freshman Dorian Finney-Smith and 10 from Erick Green.

The Tigers return to action at home on Tuesday, Feb. 7 against the Maryland Terrapins. Tipoff is set for 7:00 PM at Littlejohn Coliseum in a game that will be televised by ESPNU.

Milton Jennings will not play Saturday at Virginia Tech

Clemson coach Brad Brownell announced Friday junior forward Milton Jennings will remain suspended for Saturday’s game at Virginia Tech. Jennings was suspended indefinitely earlier this week for a class attendance issue and did not play in Tuesday’s loss at Virginia.

The Tigers are 11-10 overall and 3-4 in the ACC. They are still looking for their first road win of the season.

Tomorrow’s game tips at 4:00 in Blacksburg.

AUDIO: Brad Brownell previews Virginia Tech

Dabo Swinney

Clemson sports information director Tim Bourret said Friday the announcement of the dismissal of receiver Joe Craig from the football team was not intentionally delayed until after the conclusion of Signing Day. According to a Clemson University police report Craig was involved in an altercation with two females early Sunday morning. One of the females is the mother of his four month old baby. She, along with Craig, were arrested Wednesday and charged with criminal domestic violence. That charge is a misdemeanor.

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Joe Craig

According to multiple reports Clemson wide receiver Joe Craig’s dismissal from the team stems from an arrest on a criminal domestic violence charge. The Clemson police report indicates Craig was involved in an altercation with the mother of his baby Sunday morning.

This isn’t Craig’s first incident involving a female. On May 22nd the former Gaffney High standout was in a bloody altercation with a female track teammate that landed both of them in the hospital. Police were called, but no charges were filed.  The fact that no one was charged in the incident puzzled some legal experts.  The Clemson police department told SportsTalkSC.com that no special treatment was given to Craig or the female  because they were athletes. 

Dabo Swinney suspended Craig for three games for that incident. Craig was also not permitted to workout with the team during the summer.  Swinney expressed support for Craig when he announced he would be allowing him back on the team.

“Joe’s a good kid,” Swinney said at his media golf tournament on July 19th. “This is an unfortunate situation. You know there’s consequences for your actions. He’s a guy that, you know, I believe in and hopefully at some point he will come back and help us win the ACC this year.”