Free Throws Plague Gamecocks In Closing Moments Vs. Clemson

Misses at the charity stripe haunted South Carolina's men's basketball team down the stretch against Clemson, and played a role in their loss.

'Free throws' is a term with free in it, but every basketball fan knows it's an oxymoron. It's the only time in the game when it's illegal for a defender to impede you physically from making a shot, but sometimes, when the lights are the brightest, it's the best defense one can ask for.

The phantom defense was in full effect for Clemson.

Only down by three points with two minutes remaining on the game clock, the Gamecocks struggled to shoot the ball down the stretch, which included some right at the rim. Even more painful was that South Carolina went 2-6 from the line in crunch time, which played a crucial factor in their five-point loss to their archrival, Clemson.

Meechie Johnson attempts to shoot floater over Clemson out reached defenders.  / Ken Ruinard | USA Today Network

The Gamecocks shot 13-19 (69 percent) for the game, two percent lower than Clemson. It's no secret the nerves were in play, dealing with a ruckus road environment for the first time in the young season; there is no shame in the senior lead group succumbing to all the unrest in Littlejohn Colosseum.

As long as growth is shown through the season, this loss can become a stepping stone for the Gamecocks. Despite losing the touch to score in crunch time baskets, Lamont Paris' group remained locked in, creating numerous opportunities to cut into the lead when the game looked all but over.

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