**TAMPA, Fla. ** - Clemson's basketball team brought their A-game swagger to the court, with each successful 3-pointer adding fuel to their fire.
Dillon Hunter’s deep shot cut Iowa’s lead to nine, and he celebrated with a confident arm extension, acknowledging his teammate’s assist. Dallas “Slim” Thomas followed up with a corner three, high-fiving his teammates with a smile.
Jestin Porter then nailed a stepback 3-pointer reminiscent of James Harden, sparking hopes that Clemson might pull off an improbable comeback.
However, the final buzzer of their first-round NCAA Tournament game against No. 9 Iowa told a different story, as No. 8 seed Clemson fell 67-61, marking a bitter end to their season.
“There were times today when we didn’t execute, and they did,” shared redshirt point guard Ace Buckner, reflecting on his 2-of-8 shooting performance. “But I’m proud of everyone in this locker room.”
Clemson (24-11) showed heart, but the post-game scene was filled with emotion. Senior transfer Nick Davidson struggled to speak as he reminisced about the bonds formed on a team that included his younger brother Blake. “It’s a great story we’ll tell our kids,” Davidson said, his voice breaking.
Despite the loss, Clemson’s season was largely a success. After significant roster changes, they started 20-4, including a 10-1 run in ACC play.
They overcame a February slump to reach the ACC tourney semifinals, even as injuries took their toll. Top rebounder Carter Welling’s season-ending ACL injury was a major blow, compounded by guard Zac Foster’s earlier ACL injury.
In their final game, Clemson didn’t face a disastrous first half like last year against McNeese State, but they still fell short. RJ Godfrey, who led with 15 points and seven rebounds, grimaced at the mention of “one-and-done.” The Tigers struggled with defensive rebounds, allowing Iowa 15 offensive boards that led to a 16-4 second-chance points advantage.
Clemson fought valiantly, trimming a 12-point first-half deficit and a 14-point second-half gap to five with just over five minutes left, thanks to triples from Hunter, Thomas, and Porter. On defense, Porter held Iowa’s Bennett Stirtz, a 20-point-per-game scorer, to a 4-of-17 shooting night, earning his own 16 points.
“That was the plan, to contain him,” Porter explained. “We did well, but others got too many looks.”
Kael Combs scored 11 first-half points, hitting all his shots, including two key 3-pointers. Iowa capitalized on ball screens and swing passes to create open shots, as Clemson struggled early, making just four of their first 19 shots. They found some rhythm late in the first half, with Hunter’s 3-pointer cutting the lead to 32-27 at halftime.
The Tigers closed the gap to 35-33 early in the second half, but Iowa responded with a 9-0 run. Clemson’s inability to secure defensive rebounds against Iowa’s deliberate pace proved costly.
“Playing defense for that long and not grabbing the rebound hurts,” said guard Butta Johnson. “They got us playing their game.”
Clemson’s “Everybody, all the time” mantra highlighted their depth over star power, but too many off-nights limited their tournament run. Buckner, Davidson, and Jake Wahlin combined for just 4-of-19 shooting.
Buckner, the son of a Clemson legend, was visibly affected by the loss. Looking ahead, he remained hopeful for the team’s future, acknowledging the sting of their early exit.
“It will, for sure,” Buckner said, repeating himself as he processed the season’s end. “It will, for sure.”