Sluggish First Half Costs Clemson in 73-61 Loss to Purdue on Wednesday

Purdue shot 57 percent in the first half and guard D.J. Byrd posted 20 of his 22 points in the first half as the Boilermakers outlasted Clemson in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge, 73-61. Purdue led by 20 at halftime and by as much as 23 in the second frame, the Tigers’ largest deficit of the young season. Clemson fell to 4-2 with the loss, while Purdue moved to 3-3 overall with the win.  Clemson was led by Devin Booker, who totaled 18 points and eight rebounds in an outstanding 36 minutes of action. Booker made it to the gym just after 6:00 after missing the last two days to be with an ailing family member. K.J. McDaniels added 15 points, six rebounds, three blocked shots and two steals. The Tigers were playing without top scorer Milton Jennings, who was arrested early Wednesday in Pickens County for marijuana possession.