Tyson scores 18, leads Clemson past South Carolina, 70-56

CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) Hunter Tyson scored 18 points and grabbed 13 rebounds to lead Clemson to a 70-56 win over South Carolina Saturday, the Tigers’ third straight and sixth consecutive victory on their home court to start the season.

Clemson took control of the game with a 9-0 run at the end of the first half that was stemmed only by a 3-pointer by the Gamecocks’ Chico Carter Jr., and a 22-3 run to open the second half.

South Carolina responded with a 12-0 run of its own in the second half, but never got within single digits.

The Gamecocks (8-3) are 0-2 on the road to start the season, losing twice to in-state rivals.

Tyson was 6 of 12 from the floor and 6 of 9 from the line. PJ Hall added 16 points, grabbed eight rebounds and blocked three shots for Clemson (8-4), and David Collins added 12 points and eight rebounds.

Carter converted 9 of 10 from the free throw line and led South Carolina with 21 points. Erik Stevenson added 10 points and seven boards.

Clemson faces Virginia in an ACC battle Wednesday. South Carolina hosts Army Wednesday.

KEY STATS
– Clemson held a 51-35 advantage on the boards, and collected 19 offensive rebounds that were converted into 16 second-chance points.

NOTABLES
– Junior guard Chico Carter Jr. scored a season high 21 points vs. the Tigers, behind a career high nine makes at the free throw line.
– Sophomore forward Ja’Von Benson hit 3-of-6 attempts from the floor, scoring six and pulling down five rebounds in 16 minutes of action.
– Carolina held Clemson to 33.3 percent from the field, the seventh opponent this season held to under 40 percent.

COMING UP NEXT
– South Carolina welcomes Army to Colonial Life Arena on Wed., Dec. 22 at 3 p.m. (ET). Dave Weinstein (play-by-play) and John Williams (analyst) will be on the call for the SEC Network+ broadcast in Columbia. It’s a “Salute The Troops” game for the Gamecocks. Various promotional offers and special ticket packages are available.