Top 10 Clarkson Highlights - #9 Golden Knights Set Program Records for 3-Pointers

With the graduation of All-Region forward Derek Hart, who enjoyed one of the best years in program history in 2016-17, head coach Jeff Gorski didn't so much have to go back to the drawing board as simply fully embrace what he had wanted to do with a stable full of shooters: shoot threes.

Lots and lots of threes.

The Golden Knights of 2017-18 did not go all "run-and-gun" the way that some programs across the country have done with varying levels of success. Clarkson was not going to chuck up a long-distance shot for the sake of doing it. However, the Green and Gold led the conference in 3-point field goal attempts (699), 3-point field goals made (267), 3-point field goals made per game (10.7) and, most importantly considering the volume, 3-point field goal percentage (38.2%). The Knights scored 42 more 3-pointers than any other team in the league, and their 10.7 3-point field goals made per game ranked 18th nationally despite ranking just 60th in attempts.

Though Hart was so good inside in 2016-17, often drawing a double-team and freeing up shooters, Clarkson's 3-point field goal percentage was 4.1% higher in 2017-18 despite lacking a virtually unstoppable inside presence and opponents knowing what the team wanted to do. That success came from Clarkson's considerable depth of shooting guards and forwards. Sophomore Matt Higgins took one of the biggest leaps in program history, going from 2.9 points per game as a freshman to 18.5 points per contest in his second collegiate season. His 76 3-pointers were the fifth-most in a single-season at Clarkson, just one behind the conference leader, and he rated fourth in the league in 3-point field goal percentage at 39.8%. Junior Matthew Hornak placed second in the league in 3-point field goal percentage (40.9%) and also buried 63 3-pointers of his own. Both Hornak (74th) and Higgins (93rd) were among the top 100 3-point shooters in the country according to field goal percentage and Higgins ranked 47th in 3-point field goals made per game.

Although Higgins and Hornak were the most consistent 3-point shooters for the Knights in 2017-18, it was first-year collegian Joe Lucas who posted the best game of the season from beyond the 3-point arc. While his teammates struggled to go just 3-for-22 from the 3-point line on January 26th against Bard, Lucas made up for the deficiency by going 9-for-12, one 3-point field goal shy of tying the single-game mark at Clarkson. Lucas was especially dominant in Clarkson's second-half comeback, making six of his seven attempts from deep.

Just three weeks later, Lucas's total was nearly matched in the season finale when Hornak buried eight 3-pointers in a win against Rensselaer. Additionally, Higgins made six 3-pointers on three occasions last year. The question for 2018-19 isn't if Clarkson will continue to challenge its long-distance records, but how far can the shooters take them?

The Top 10 Clarkson University Athletic Department Highlights of 2017-18 were carefully selected by the Clarkson Sports Information Staff. Top 10 Clarkson highlights will be posted on Mondays throughout the summer.

Print Friendly Version

Players Mentioned

#42 Derek Hart: F; 6' 7"; Senior

#30 Matt Higgins: G; 6' 3"; Junior

#20 Matthew Hornak: F; 6' 3"; Senior

#0 Joe Lucas: F; 6' 5"; Sophomore

Players Mentioned

#42 Derek Hart
: 6' 7"; Senior
: F

#30 Matt Higgins
: 6' 3"; Junior
: G

#20 Matthew Hornak
: 6' 3"; Senior
: F

#0 Joe Lucas
: 6' 5"; Sophomore
: F