Nov. 19, 2001 – The Clemson University Tigers outlasted the LaSalle University Explorers to beat them, 81-69, Monday evening in the 2001 Paradise Jam at the University of the Virgin Islands Sports and Fitness Center.
The local fans were behind the underdog Explores, who started the game with a short-lived and one-time only lead of 4-2. The Tigers took over from that point on, tying the game 90 seconds into it and never again relinquishing the lead. The Tigers continued their offensive attack and scored 12 unanswered points in two minutes to take a ten-point lead.
"The first six to seven minutes of the game decided the game and we knew that they would pressure us and we were ready for it." Tigers' head coach, Larry Shyatt said.
The Tigers were off to the races as they built their lead to 21 points, 39-18, with 6:30 remaining in the first half. The Explorers did manage to cut into the lead with a 13-5 run at the end of the half for a 44-31 score.
The Explorers did the same thing again for the first six and half minutes of the second half to come to within five points of the Tigers setting the score at 54-49. The Tigers were able to hold them off with strong inside play. The Explorers were not able to get any closer for the rest of the game.
"There are very good lessons to learn from losing and I like that we learned to play all 40 minutes." said Explorer's head coach Billy Hahn.
The victory was a bittersweet one for the Tigers as they lost their starting point guard with a knee injury in the first half.
Edward Scott led the Tigers with 25 points and he added six rebounds. Jamar McKnight and Ray Henderson chipped in 13 and 10 points respectively. Henderson also grabbed a team high eight rebounds.
Rasual Butler led the Explorers with a game high 26 points. His teammate, Rasheed Quadri contributed a double double with 19 points and 12 rebounds.
The Tigers improved their record to 2-0 and advanced to the championship game Tuesday night. The Explorers dropped to 1-1.
