Clemson basketball fell to Duke in the ACC Tournament semifinals, 73-61, on Friday night in Charlotte.
While the Tigers fell short of a place in the conference championship game, Clemson basketball will have a spot in the field of 68 when the NCAA Tournament brackets are released on Sunday afternoon. The Tigers’ victory over North Carolina in the quarterfinals all but assured their place in the tournament.
Friday’s rematch with the Blue Devils, though, was an uphill climb from the start. While the game remained close during the first 10 minutes of the half, Duke began to pull away as the game approached halftime, taking a 41-22 lead into the intermission.
Clemson continued to fight in the second half, closing the gap within sight of single digits, but could not get closer than 12 points the rest of the way.
ACC Tournament: Clemson Tigers vs. Duke Blue Devils | Full Game Highlights | ESPN College Basketball
Despite Duke playing without two starters, prospective national player of the year Cam Boozer carried the Blue Devils with 24 points. Cayden Boozer chipped in with 16 for Duke.
RJ Godfrey led all Clemson scorers with 18 and pulled down six rebounds while Jestin Porter chipped in with 12 points off the bench.
Duke (31-2) will be a number one seed in the field of 68 when the brackets are released, while Clemson basketball was projected by ESPN analyst Joe Lunardi as a number six seed prior to the Tigers’ win over the Tar Heels on Thursday.
For now, all Clemson can do is wait and see where they will begin their NCAA Tournament journey.
