Thanks to Carlisle, Cal Stops Clemson

NEW YORK — In an instant, Geno Carlisle led California’s comeback kids to the NIT championship.

Carlisle’s three-point play with 4.7 seconds remaining Thursday night capped yet another Cal comeback and lifted the Golden Bears to a 61-60 victory over Clemson in front of 10,864 at Madison Square Garden.

“I was having a horrible game up to that point,” said Carlisle, who led Cal (21-11) with 16 points despite four-of-18 shooting. “And then it was just that moment.”

Carlisle drove the lane and two Clemson players converged on him, but he got the ball back and tossed up a one-hander as he was fouled by Tom Wideman. The ball went in, the score was tied, and Carlisle was on the free-throw line.

After a timeout, Carlisle, a 77% foul shooter, stepped up and swished the decisive free throw.

The 6-foot-3 guard is one of four departing seniors, all of whom enrolled at Cal two years ago even though NCAA sanctions loomed. Last year, the Golden Bears were banned from postseason play and also had two scholarships taken away because of misdeeds under former coach Todd Bozeman.

Clemson ended the season at 20-15.

Xavier 106, Oregon 75--Lenny Brown scored a career-high 34 points to lead the Musketeers (25-11) over the Ducks (19-13) in the NIT consolation game.