Ian Schieffelin is struggling with back and calf issues, limiting his ability to practice, but he plans to play for Clemson when they face Syracuse in Atlantic Coast Conference action on Wednesday in Clemson, S.C.
More than two months into the season, Schieffelin’s injuries have kept him from practicing on non-game days. He only practiced for a few minutes on Friday but still managed to post a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds in Saturday’s 78-75 overtime win at Pitt.
“Ian’s just been a warrior,” said Clemson coach Brad Brownell about the fifth-year senior, who is averaging 13.0 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 3.2 assists. “I don’t know that (his practice schedule) will be much different here for a while. … Crossing my fingers that everything is going to be fine. But he’s a tough kid.”
Chase Hunter, another long-time player for Clemson (15-4, 7-1 ACC), scored 20 points in the win over Pitt, including five 3-pointers, helping the Tigers win their sixth game in seven attempts.
Hunter and Schieffelin will be key targets for the Syracuse defense, which has allowed an average of 77.6 points per game this season. However, the Orange held Notre Dame to 42.1 percent shooting and just five 3-pointers in a 77-69 win on Saturday.
“You couldn’t tell whatever our record was,” Syracuse coach Adrian Autry said. “These guys came out here, they played hard, they played tough and that’s how it has to be going forward.”
Syracuse (9-9, 3-4) trailed by as much as 17 points before fighting back behind J.J. Starling (21 points), Eddie Lampkin Jr. (13 points, 11 rebounds), and Kyle Cuffe Jr. (13 points, 10-of-10 free throws).
“(It) was big time because we could have easily given up, but I’m very proud of this group of guys,” Starling said. “We just kept fighting, and we didn’t lay down.”
This will be the only meeting between the two teams this season. Last year, Clemson won both matchups, with Schieffelin averaging 14.5 points on 10-of-10 shooting in those games.
