Clemson G Hammonds expected to play

Mar 6, 2008 - 12:42 AM CLEMSON, South Carolina (Ticker) -- Senior guard Cliff Hammonds is expected to play when Clemson travels to face Georgia Tech on Thursday in an Atlantic Coast Conference contest, the school announced Wednesday.

Hammonds, the Tigers' second-leading scorer at 11.9 points, suffered a broken right wrist - his non-shooting hand - while attempting to block a dunk attempt in Sunday's 73-70 victory over Maryland.

It was a big win for Clemson (21-7, 9-5 ACC), which rallied from a 20-point deficit in the second half. The Tigers stand third in the league with two games to play.

Hammonds played the final 16 minutes of the contest, but an X-ray on Monday revealed the break.

Although he initially was considered doubtful for Thursday, Hammonds practiced with a protective cast on Tuesday and Wednesday. He is expected wear a less restrictive brace against Georgia Tech.

"Cliff practiced today and it appears he can still take care of the basketball," Clemson coach Oliver Purnell said.

"I am not going to stop playing the way I am playing, I am still going to give it my all," said Hammonds, who has never missed a game in his collegiate career. "There is some pain, but not as much as yesterday. Hopefully I will be able to do all I can to help this team beat Georgia Tech."

Hammonds is the fourth Clemson player to suffer a major injury this season, including starters James Mays and freshman Demontez Stitt. Despite that, the Tigers are closing in on their first NCAA Tournament berth since 1998.