It was not personal.
That is what Joe Girard’s second half three-pointer with 10:26 left to silence the 20,000 Syracuse fans was to the former Orange star, who lifted Clemson to a much-needed 77-68 road victory in his return trip home Saturday to the JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse, N.Y.
After two Judah Mintz jumpers trimmed what was once a 15-point Clemson lead to three points, Girard launched a long three from the left side to quickly put the Tigers back up six points, 55-49, with 10:26 to play.
On his way back down the court, he told the ‘Cuse’s largest crowd of the season to hush by putting his index finger over his mouth. The crowd retaliated with boos.
“I didn’t think too much of it,” Girard said after the game. “I’m just kind of an emotional player no matter where I’m at. Had there been another crowd somewhere else who’s booing me, I probably would have done the same thing. So, it’s not personal.”
Girard was booed in pre-game and for much of the game, especially by the student section. Regardless, it did not effect the way he played, as led he Clemson, and all scorers, with 18 points on five of six shooting, including a 4-for-5 afternoon from behind the arc.