Clemson puts up an incredible effort, but is outmatched by a more loaded Alabama offense, 90-84
There are very few losses where one leaves the arena feeling better about the team than when they entered. At the end of the day, all that matters is getting the win, especially against such a pivotal opponent. These are the exact types of games that can create or eliminate postseason opportunities for teams like this Clemson roster. Far too often you see conversations centered around “this team has to make it, remember that massive win against Bama in December?” Providing powerful upsets and eradicating gut wrenching losses is what makes or breaks a March Madness team, and this one hurts. However, this game showed a lot more positives than negatives for the Tigers. With all these transfers coming in, we had no idea the status of this team. Expectations were murky at best, and Clemson inadvertently did an excellent job at shielding there identity for the first month of the season- losing to Georgetown, upsetting Georgia, skating by West Virginia. But today, this team showed that while they might not be as dangerous as years past (although it’s too soon to tell) they are certainly just as capable of beating powerful basketball programs.
This game was very close. Clemson was relatively within six points for the final ten minutes of the game, and even took the lead with just over two minutes remaining. You play these final ten minutes ten times and the Tigers win at least five. Of course, you have to live with the real outcome of the game, but it’s worth noting the fight these Tigers put up.
While the transfers did shine, RJ Godfrey was absolutely the star of the game. He contributed 19 points on 60% shooting, and was able to go an impressive 7/9 from the line. Sadly, his two misses came in the final two minutes of the contest, and helped Alabama go on their game clinching 7-0 run. However, Godfrey was a pivotal piece for the Tigers, and he absolutely won game MVP for Clemson.
Along with Godfrey, Dillon Hunter, Zac Foster, Jake Wahlin, and Nick Davidson all scored in double figures. These transfers are acclimating well with Brownell’s ball sharing-selfless offensive philosophy, and we’re seeing a deep collection of players filling a stat sheet.
Unfortunately, Brownell’s main asset as a coach has NOT translated well this season. Coach has always been a defensive oriented strategist, and the defense for the Tigers has been abysmal. Last season, they allowed an opponent to score 90 points in regulation exactly zero times. This season, they’ve conceded that total twice, with the first being 94 to Georgia a few weeks ago. Alabama is a fast paced team, but Brownell has always shined in forcing teams to play at his tempo, and he’s been historically problematic when he can’t control the pace of play. The Crimson Tide understood that, and were able to take advantage and earn the win.
Additionally, the three point shooting was brutal. We may not have seen a strong three point shooting team in Clemson since the Gabe Devoe era of late 2010’s, and it’s absolutely getting old to see us soil the opportunity to be great by missing what should be high percentage deep shots. The Tigers shot 4 for 19 from beyond the arc, reaching 21%. Zac Foster went 1/6.
While the weaknesses of this team were on point tonight, the strengths were as well. The Tigers were scrappy, they didn’t stop fighting, and they truly showed they can hang with some of the best teams in the country. All critiques of this team aren’t because I don’t think they are incapable of success, it’s because I feel this team is so close and just needs some improvement to be great. Let’s hope they can rally next Tuesday against BYU, and finally get that pivotal top ten upset.
