Clemson linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. walks off the field after defeating Notre Dame during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
In his first game back on the court he called home for four seasons, Joe Girard III scored 18 points on Saturday afternoon to surpass 2,000 for his career and lead Clemson to a 77-68 victory over Syracuse.
For the Orange, Girard scored 1,652 points in his career. He started all four years at Syracuse before moving to Clemson the previous season as head coach announced his retirement.
A 14-0 run in the first half put Clemson ahead 27-12 and helped them take a 37-24 advantage at the half. Girard made the first two of his four 3-pointers to help spark the surge. Syracuse led 8-0 at the start of the second half thanks to three 3-pointers from Chris Bell and JJ Starling. Starling’s jumper with 3:37 remaining leveled the score at 60-60.Girard was greeted with friendly jeers from the Syracuse student section when he was presented before tip-off, following his 21 points and assist in helping the Tigers defeat No. 3 North Carolina 80-76 at Chapel Hill on Tuesday—just the second time in team history. In response, he made 4 out of 5 3-pointers and went 4 for 4 from the free throw line in the last 1:12 to help seal the win.
For Clemson (16-7, 6-6 Atlantic Coast), PJ Hall recorded a double-double, scoring 15 points, collecting 10 rebounds, and blocking three shots. Hunter scored ten points and dished out seven assists, while Ian Schieffelin added thirteen points.
Syracuse (15-9, 6-7) was led by Chris Bell (16 points) and Starling (16 points apiece). 14 was Judah Mintz’s score.
