Clemson Edges Georgia 97-94 in Overtime for Charleston Classic Win

BREAKING: In a thrilling overtime showdown, Clemson narrowly defeated Georgia 97-94 to win the Shriners Children’s Charleston Classic at TD Arena on November 26, 2023. This intense match saw both teams exchanging leads for nearly 45 minutes before the Tigers clinched the championship.

Leading the charge for Clemson was sophomore guard Jeremiah Wilkinson, who delivered an explosive performance with a season-high 26 points. His efforts kept Georgia competitive, but ultimately, the Bulldogs fell short, dropping their record to 6-1.

The game was tightly contested from the start, with Georgia holding a lead of up to 10 points in the first half. However, Clemson rallied back, taking a slim 41-40 lead at halftime. Georgia countered with a powerful 13-0 run midway through the second half, regaining control before Clemson responded with critical three-pointers and a dominant rebounding performance.

Clemson out-rebounded Georgia 45 to 35 and capitalized on 18 second-chance points, which proved crucial in the tightly contested game. As the clock wound down, Georgia trailed 78-76 but Wilkinson tied the game with a driving layup with just 48 seconds left.

After a defensive stop, the Bulldogs forced overtime but struggled to regain momentum. Clemson scored first in the extra period and maintained the lead through strategic offensive rebounds and free throws. Despite Wilkinson and teammate Blue Cain keeping the pressure on, Georgia’s last offensive play broke down, preventing a potential game-tying shot.

“Disappointing that we came out on the short end,” said Georgia head coach Mike White. “It was a high-level game. Two good teams. Clemson is a very good, skilled team.”

White emphasized that while the Bulldogs showed resilience and fought hard, they fell short on critical possessions. “We’ve got to be more connected, especially that last possession offensively,” he added, reflecting on the missed opportunities.

Looking ahead, Georgia will return to action at home against Tennessee Tech on Saturday, November 29, with the tipoff scheduled for 2 p.m. on SEC Network+. As the season progresses, fans will be eager to see if the Bulldogs can bounce back and build on their performances.

This nail-biter not only highlights the competitive spirit of collegiate basketball but also sets the stage for an exciting season ahead, with both teams showcasing their potential on a national stage.