CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Elijah Thomas had career highs with 17 points and 15 rebounds, and Clemson's defense took control in the second half of an 81-76 victory over Ohio at the Charleston Classic on Thursday night.
The Tigers (3-0) will face either Dayton or Hofstra on Friday for a berth in Sunday night's tournament finals. Ohio will face the Flyers-Pride loser on Friday.
Donte Graham added 20 points on 6-of-9 shooting for the Tigers.
The Bobcats (1-1) hung tough with Clemson for a half until the bigger, stronger, quicker opponents from the Atlantic Coast Conference took over.