BOX SCORE

GEORGE TOWN, GRAND CAYMAN, CAYMAN ISLANDS – Senior guard Shelton Mitchell scored a season-high 22 points, including 12 in the second half, as No. 19 ranked Clemson remained undefeated holding off Akron, 72-69, in the opening round of the Cayman Islands Classic Monday.
 
The Tigers, who moved to 4-0, enjoyd a 15-point lead (53-38) with 9:37 left in the  game before Akron closed out the game making seven  three-point baskets.
 
“It was a hard fought win,” said Clemson coach Brad Brownell, whose team will face the winner of the Georgia-Illinois Sate game at 1:30 pm Tuesday. “We still have alot of work to do. I thought our approach was good for an early start (11 a.m.). We were aggressive rebounding the ball in the second half.”
 
Sophomore guard Loren Crist  Jackson exploded for a career-high 25 points, including 22 in the second half to lead Akron. Jackson made a career-high five three-point baskets.
 
During  a 4 minute 51-second stretch late in the second half, Akron hit five treys, including three triples by Jackson to pull within 63-59 after trailing 55-40.
 
Fueled by five straight points from guard Marcquise Reed, Clemson answered with an 8-0 run to extend its lead to 70-59.
 
Mitchell played a solid floor game for Clemson collecting five rebounds, while tying a career high with four steals.
 
Reed finished with 16 points, while senior forward Elijah Thomas earned his 11^th career double-double for Clemson with 15 points and 12 rebounds. 
 
“Shelton (Mitchell) played outstanding. Our whole starting lineup was in a lot of foul trouble in the first half which put more pressure on him to make plays,” Brownell added. “He got in the lane and settled us down. I couldn’t be more pleased wit the way he played.” 
 
Akron opened the second half missing seven of its first eights and Clemson took advantage mounting a double-digit advantage. 
 
Then the Zips caught fire shooting 66.7 percent, making 14 of 21 shots, in the game’s final 14 minutes.
 
“We played well offensively for 20 minutes and defensively for 20 minutes but if you don’t do each of those for 40 minutes against an opponent like Clemson they are getting to exploit you,” said Akron coach John Groce.
 
Clemson shot 49 percent (25-51) from the floor, while Arkon hit 43.4 percent (23-53). 
The Zips finished the game with 11 three-point baskets. Tyler Chese and Daniel Utomi added 13 points apiece for Akron.
 
Clemson outrebounded Akron, 37-28, while also forcing 15 turnovers.
 
Both coaches applauded the local hospitality their respective teams have been shown during  the tournament.
 
“Our team is enjoying their stay and I can’t say enough about the great hospitality,” said Brownell. “This is a nice facility and beautiful arena.”

“I want to thank everyone on the island since we got here,” Groce added. “This is a  high level tournament.  For us to be challenged this way at this time of year is major step for our program.”
 
Akron will face the loser of the Georgia-Illinois State game in an 11 a.m. consolation round game Wednesday.