"If you don't match his energy, he's going to destroy you": Penny Hardaway praises Clemson star Ian Schieffelin after 87-82 OT win
Penny Hardaway's Memphis Tigers secured a hard-fought 87-82 overtime win over ranked Clemson Tigers on Saturday. After the match, Hardaway revealed that he had to adjust his approach to deal with Clemson's Ian Schieffelin.
Schieffelin, a 21-year-old forward, had an impressive outing, scoring 17 points, grabbing six rebounds and dishing out three assists. However, his contributions were not enough to lead Clemson to victory as it fell in overtime at home.
Memphis coach Penny Hardaway praised Schieffelin's competitive spirit postgame, even recalling last season's matchup between the two teams.
"Playing against [PJ Hall] and Ian, those were the two hardest bigs we ever played against because they know how to duck in, then they turn the duck in into a rebounding position," he said (6:02).
"If we hadn't played them last year, there's no way you can just see it. But to be in that game last year and understand who Ian is, you go, 'Hey man, if you don't match his energy, he's going to destroy you.' I had our bigs all week.
"We had a full week to prepare for this game. If this would have been a two-day turnaround, who knows? But just to know him and what he brings on a nightly basis with his energy."
Penny Hardaway and the Tigers pulled a narrow win against Clemson last season, 79-77, at FedEx Forum, with Schieffien keeping the game close by scoring 11 points and grabbing 11 rebounds.
Penny Hardaway calls Clemson win the biggest of season
Memphis has upset some high-profile opponents this season, taking down defending champion UConn Huskies, No. 21 Michigan State Spartans and now the No. 16 Clemson Tigers.
Penny Hardaway called Saturday's victory at Littlejohn Coliseum the most important one.
"I would say that this is our biggest win of the season," he said postgame. "Arguably one of the hottest teams in the country, with Tennessee and Iowa State, is Clemson. And to come in here and get a win is just a blessing."
The win came after Memphis lost to Arkansas State last week. The team bounced back in a big way, defeating Clemson, who entered the game 9-1, with wins over Kentucky and Miami earlier this month.
Tyrese Hunter and Colby Rogers, both senior transfers to Memphis this summer, were instrumental in the huge road victory. Sophomore PJ Haggerty also stepped in a major way to seal the win in overtime for the Tigers.
Penny Hardaway's men face Virginia, Mississippi State and Ole Miss before the end of the year and starting AAC conference play.