Brad Brownell gives incredibly honest analysis of Clemson’s roster following loss to Blue Devils
Duke is ranked 4th in the country. They are currently 23-2, 12-1 in the ACC, and 12-0 at home. They are 62-4 against the Tigers at Cameron Indoor and have won their last 22 home matchups. It’s no secret that the Blue Devils are a superior team, both this season and in the history of the program.
However, to hear Brownell be so up front about how the two teams compare was both surprising and refreshing;
“They’re excellent defensively. They’re long, well-schooled, and they play hard. They’re hard to score against, and we’re not as dynamic offensively as other teams I’ve had. I thought we guarded em about as well as we could guard em. I’m proud of our guys for continuing to fight, it’s hard when you’re struggling on offense.”
Clemson has not scored less than sixty points in any game this season, and put up just 54 today. They shot 35% from the field and 25% from beyond the arc.
The Tigers were able to compete in the first half, closing out the period only down 31-26. That total was the fewest either team had scored in the first period of any game all season. Duke went on a run to start the second, and Clemson never really put up a fight. When asked about the difference between the first and second half, Brownell cited the offense.
“Can’t score. If you told me we’d hold Duke to 67 points, I would’ve taken that. Can’t keep up. We’re not as gifted offensively. We don’t have a guy that can kinda save you at times, can win a one on one. It’s all about shotmaking and execution, and we haven’t shot well this week.”
Duke absolutely has a “star” on their team, with Freshman Cam Boozer. The Tigers lack that star power, as they are unlikely to have an All-ACC player on their roster.
In the end, Brownell was optimistic about the outcome; “I’m proud of this group, we’re not as gifted as some of these top teams. Our margins are small.” While it’s always a little frustrating to see a coach content with a loss, it’s understandable for Brownell to not read too much into losing to such a prestigious program. Clemson will continue to fight and will look to snap their two-game losing streak.
