NCAA Tournament second-round live blog: Viejas Arena
5:03 p.m. PT--
Clemson has rode some stifling defense and efficient scoring en route to a 43-19 halftime lead over Auburn.
Clemson shot 53% from the field and held Auburn to 18% shooting in what was a dominant first-half performance. Leading the way in the first half for the Tigers was forward Elijah Thomas, who put in 11 points and grabbed three rebounds. Starting guard Shelton Mitchell is on triple double watch with seven points, six rebounds, and five assists.
Auburn's offense lacked any kind of flow or rhythm in the opening 20. They were forced mostly into ISO situations, ending the half with only three assists. The final first-half totals? 18% from the field and 20% from three point range. Nobody on Bruce Pearl's team has scored more than five points.
Auburn and Clemson were tied at 13 points apiece with 12:40 left. Over the final 12:40, Clemson outscored Auburn 30-6. Jared Harper's made jump shot with 10:34 to go in the first-half was the last field goal Auburn recorded before heading into the break.
Clemson currently holds a commanding lead in the rebounding battle (26-16) as well as assists (10-3).
6:17 p.m. PT
Clemson is headed to the Sweet Sixteen for the first time since 1997. Powered by a strong first half, Brad Brownell's team won the battle of the Tigers by the final of 84-53.
7:42 p.m. PT
West Virginia is leading Marshall 42-25 at half.
The Mountaineers were powered by a 19-0 run in the middle of the first half. Leading West Virginia is Jevon Carter with 11 points. They are outrebounding Marshall 30-13.
Coming off an impressive opening round game against Wichita State, Jon Elmore has only three points on 1/5 shooting. He has turned the ball over five times. The Thundering Herd shot only 31% from the field and turned the ball over 10 times.
Obviously, if they want to get back in this game, those offensive numbers must improve.
