Tigers Pound Alabama

The 19th-ranked Clemson Tigers resumed their domination of the Southeastern Conference Sunday, handing Alabama its worst home loss in seven years in the process.

Trevor Booker and James Mays scored 18 points each inside and Terrence Oglesby added 17 to lift the hot-shooting Tigers (12-1) to an 87-61 win over the Crimson Tide on Tuesday night.

It was the worst loss at Coleman Coliseum since a 93-60 defeat to LSU in 2000 for the Tide (10-4). Alabama had won six straight games.

“I thought we came in here with a good deal of mental toughness," said head coach Oliver Purnell. "We knew they were playing with a lot of confidence. They had won seven in a row. We matched their toughness and their energy. We gave up a few things early that could have given them some momentum but our guys did a great job.”

The Tigers have won seven of their last eight games against SEC teams, the only loss coming to No. 18 Mississippi on Dec. 22.

They took control of this one midway through the second half, setting up uncontested shots and denying any such chances for the Tide.

Leading by only five points at halftime, Clemson built the lead to 20 with a 17-4 run that included two easy baskets off stolen inbounds passes. Alabama cut it to five points but couldn't come any closer.

Clemson returns to action Sunday night against No. 1 North Carolina. Tip-off at Littlejohn Coliseum is set for 7:30.