Clemson men’s basketball team secured their second consecutive season sweep over Florida State, clinching a program-record fourth-straight victory in their all-time series. The game, held at Littlejohn Coliseum on Saturday night, ended in a 74-63 triumph for the Tigers.
Led by the stellar performance of Joseph Girard III from Glens Falls, New York, Clemson’s offensive prowess was on full display. Girard led the charge with an outstanding 24-point contribution, showcasing his sharpshooting skills with four three-pointers and a flawless 10-for-10 from the foul line. Joining Girard in the scoring effort was Chase Hunter, representing Atlanta, Georgia, who delivered 16 points along with four assists.
RJ Godfrey, stepping up admirably in place of the sidelined PJ Hall, made significant contributions to Clemson’s victory. The Suwanee, Georgia native recorded 12 points, six rebounds, two blocks, and two steals, showcasing his versatility and impact on both ends of the court. Despite limited playing time due to foul trouble, Hall managed to make his presence felt with seven points, two rebounds, two blocks, and a steal in just over 16 minutes of play.
Defensively, Clemson demonstrated resilience and determination, limiting Florida State to only 63 points, marking one of their best defensive performances in ACC play this season.
The Tigers established their dominance early in the game, building a lead of up to nine points in the first half. A pivotal moment came as Chase Hunter sank a three-pointer right at the end of the opening stanza, extending Clemson’s lead to 38-28 at halftime. The team continued to assert their authority in the second half, stretching their lead to a commanding 16 points with 13:20 remaining. Despite a brief resurgence from the Seminoles, narrowing the deficit to just five points, Clemson’s suffocating defense enabled them to regain control and secure the win.
Clemson’s proficiency from the free-throw line played a crucial role in sealing the victory, attempting 30 free throws and converting 80.0% of them, totaling 24 successful attempts. Additionally, the team’s efforts on the boards were commendable, with Ian Schieffelin and Jack Clark each grabbing 11 rebounds, including five crucial offensive rebounds.
Looking ahead, Clemson sets its sights on their upcoming matchup against Pittsburgh on Tuesday, February 27th, scheduled for 7 p.m. and televised on ACCN. Buoyed by their recent victory and record-breaking performance, the Tigers aim to maintain their winning momentum as they continue their quest for success in the highly competitive arena of college basketball.
