The same coach who ended Clemson’s season last year ends their undefeated ACC start with a 80-76 win
NC State snapped Clemson’s nine game win streak, undefeated start in ACC play, and perfect 10-0 home record in a 80-76 overtime win on Tuesday, January 20th. One of the more painful losses in recent memory for Clemson, and a massive win for the Wolfpack.
Much like the last time the Tigers faced off against a Will Wade coached team, the first half was abysmal. Clemson managed to commit six turnovers in six minutes, from eleven to five minutes remaining in the period. They had a whopping one field goal from the ten minute mark to the one minute mark, while NC State went 47% from beyond the arc. An electric Carter Welling dunk and an Ace Buckner three in the final minute cut what was a double digit lead to five, and the half ended with NC State leading 38-33.
The second half was far more exciting. NC State led until the final two minutes, but never by more than seven points. Dillon Hunter hit a huge three with 2:30 remaining to break a four minute drought where Clemson scored zero baskets. A couple of Carter Welling free throws evened the score at 67 with two minutes remaining, and a Godfrey and-one gave the Tigers a three point lead, which they blew in the final minute. We headed into overtime 69-69, where Godfrey got the scoring started with a physical basket on the inside.
In overtime Clemson found themselves down by three with twenty second left, where a 1/2 performance from the line by Efrem Johnson gave the Tigers their last points of the night. Free throws plagued Clemson all night, as the team went a collective 15/24 from the line (62.5%).
Clemson saw multiple scoring droughts in the contest, with some as long as eight minutes without a basket. They committed thirteen fouls, and were outscored 18-6 in terms of points off of turnovers.
There were a few bright spots for Clemson tonight. RJ Godfrey finished with 16 points and 7 rebounds on 7/9 shooting. Carter Welling put up a 14-6-2 on 3-5 shooting, heading to the line a dozen times and knocking down eight free throws. Jestin Porter flashed, making three of his first four three pointers. However, he went on to go 0/4 from beyond the arc for the remainder of the game, forcing a high volume of unlikely shots. Dillon Hunter was a strong and stable veteran presence, but wasn’t able to make as much of an impact late as he fell into foul trouble.
Clemson will look to bounce back next Saturday January 24th in the McCamish Pavilion. Duke is now the only undefeated team in ACC play, as Clemson joins Virginia and Miami as the few one loss teams left in the conference. Clemson is now 16-4, and 6-1 in the ACC. Let’s hope the Tigers can bounce back moving forward, and still continue on their incredible season.
