Clemson uses huge second-half run to top Eastern Kentucky

Viktor Lakhin and Chase Hunter each scored 19 points and Clemson rallied late to post a 75-62 win over visiting Eastern Kentucky on Tuesday night.

The Tigers (3-0) found themselves trailing by four, 54-50, with 12:50 left in the game after Mayar Wol knocked down a 3-pointer to cap a 10-2 spurt by Eastern Kentucky.

However, it was all Clemson from there, with Del Jones and Hunter each hitting a trey as the hosts scored 21 of the next 23 points to open up a commanding 71-56 advantage with 2:04 to play.

Eastern Kentucky had just four field goals over the game's final 12:49.

Lakhin complemented his point total with 12 rebounds and three blocks for the Tigers, who forced the Colonels into 10 second-half turnovers.

Ian Schieffelin chipped in 13 points and nine boards for the game as Clemson outshot Eastern Kentucky 45.9 percent to 42.6 percent from the field. The Tigers also had a sizable advantage at the free-throw line, going 12-for-19 compared to the Colonels' 4-for-5 mark.

Devontae Blanton paced Eastern Kentucky with a game-high 23 points on 10-of-15 shooting. He also had six rebounds. Wol was the only other Colonel to score in double figures, finishing with 12 points to go along with six boards.

It was a close game early, with Eastern Kentucky pulling within a point at 11-10 on a Jordan Crawford 3-pointer with 15:51 remaining in the first half.

Clemson answered with a 7-0 run that included a Hunter dunk and 3-pointer.

The Colonels later moved in front thanks to a string of 12 unanswered points that put them up 25-23 with 9:08 left in the half. Again the Tigers responded, this time with a 14-4 run, which ended with five straight points from Jones.

EKU got within three before half's end, but Clemson took a 42-36 edge into the break.

--Field Level Media