Clemson's Historic Opportunity in the ACC Tournament
Charlotte, NC - Clemson basketball stands on the brink of making program history as they gear up for a showdown in the ACC Tournament semifinals. The No. 5 seed Tigers (24-9) are set to clash with the top-seeded Duke Blue Devils (30-2) on March 13 at 9:30 p.m. ET, with the game broadcast on ESPN2.
A victory here would not only propel Clemson to the ACC championship game but also mark the first time in program history that they’ve won three consecutive ACC Tournament games. The Tigers have reached this stage twice before, with their last back-to-back wins in the tournament dating back to 2008. However, they've never managed to clinch that elusive third victory.
Standing in Clemson's way is a formidable Duke squad, riding high on a nine-game win streak. The Blue Devils, who previously defeated the Tigers 67-54 on February 14, are led by standout Cameron Boozer, a projected top-five pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. Duke narrowly edged out Florida State 80-79 to secure their spot in the semifinals, showcasing their resilience and depth.
Should Clemson overcome Duke, they will face either No. 2 seed Virginia or No. 3 seed Miami in the championship on March 14 at 8 p.m. ET. Clemson hasn’t faced Virginia this season, but they did notch a 69-59 victory over Miami back in January.
Regardless of their performance in the ACC Tournament, Clemson is projected to make the NCAA Tournament for the third consecutive year, with predictions placing them between a No. 7 and No. 9 seed. Entering the game against Duke, Clemson holds a 34th-place ranking in the NET, with a solid record across all quadrants, including a notable 7-5 in Quadrant 1 games.
Despite their success, Clemson remains unranked in both the coaches and AP polls. Under the leadership of Brad Brownell, who has been at the helm since 2010, the Tigers continue to strive for greater heights. Brownell, who received a contract extension through the 2030-31 season, has been instrumental in steering Clemson to consistent tournament appearances.
As the Spectrum Center, with its capacity of 19,444, readies for an exciting matchup, all eyes will be on whether Clemson can defy the odds and make history. The Tigers face a tough prediction, with Duke favored to win 75-64. Yet, with the stakes higher than ever, Clemson's determination and grit could lead to an unforgettable upset.
ACC Tournament Schedule
- Friday, March 13 Game 12: 2-seed Virginia vs. 3-seed Miami, 7 p.m.
(ESPN2)
- Game 13: 1-seed Duke vs. 5-seed Clemson, 9:30 p.m.
(ESPN2)
- Saturday, March 14 Championship Game: Game 12 winner vs.
Game 13 winner, 8:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Recent Performances
Clemson's Last Five Games
- 3/12: W vs.
UNC (70-69)
- 3/11: W vs.
Wake Forest (71-62)
- 3/7: W vs.
Georgia Tech (79-76)
- 3/3: L vs.
North Carolina (67-63)
- 2/28: W vs.
Louisville (80-75)
Duke's Last Five Games
- 3/12: W vs.
Florida State (80-79)
- 3/7: W vs.
North Carolina (76-61)
- 3/2: W vs.
NC State (93-64)
- 2/28: W vs.
Virginia (71-51)
- 2/24: W vs.
Notre Dame (100-56)
As Clemson and Duke prepare to tip-off, fans are in for a thrilling contest that could redefine Clemson’s basketball legacy.