Clemson's Comeback Falls Short in OT Battle with NC State
CLEMSON, S.C. - For most of Tuesday night, it looked like Clemson might pull off another gritty comeback to stay perfect in ACC play. Instead, the Tigers ran out of gas late, falling 80-76 in overtime to NC State at Littlejohn Coliseum.
Now sitting at 16-4 overall and 6-1 in the ACC, Clemson tasted its first conference loss of the season - a game that was as much about missed chances as it was about NC State’s resilience.
A Game of Runs and Missed Opportunities
Clemson didn’t start this one the way they’d hoped. The Tigers fell behind early, trailing by as many as 11 in the first half.
But true to form, they didn’t back down. They chipped away at the deficit, eventually tying the game at 67 with under two minutes to go in regulation.
Then, with 1:12 left, RJ Godfrey gave Clemson its first lead of the night on a strong layup - a moment that sent the Littlejohn crowd into a frenzy.
But NC State had an answer. Two clutch free throws from the Wolfpack tied things up again. Neither team could break the deadlock in the final minute, and just like that, it was overtime.
In the extra frame, Clemson couldn’t quite find the rhythm. The Tigers were outscored 11-7 in OT and missed three key free throws that could’ve swung momentum back their way. Those misses loomed large in a game this tight.
Godfrey Leads the Way Again
RJ Godfrey continues to be a steady presence for Clemson. He led the Tigers with 16 points and added seven rebounds - his eighth straight game scoring in double figures and his seventh this season with at least seven boards. He’s become a reliable two-way force, and his ability to finish at the rim and battle on the glass has anchored this team during its strong start.
Carter Welling nearly posted a double-double, finishing with 14 points, nine rebounds, and a pair of assists. That’s now four straight games with double-digit scoring for him and his fifth game with nine or more rebounds. He’s doing all the little things that don’t always show up in the box score - fighting for second-chance points, defending with physicality, and giving this team a frontcourt edge.
Off the bench, Ace Buckner provided a big spark with 12 points - his sixth game this season in double figures. His energy and scoring punch have been key for Clemson’s second unit, and he continues to play with confidence in big moments.
Dillon Hunter dished out five assists to lead the team, marking the fourth time this season he’s hit that mark. His court vision and ability to initiate the offense under pressure were crucial in keeping Clemson in the game down the stretch.
Where the Game Slipped Away
Despite winning the battle on the boards (38-30), Clemson couldn’t overcome its mistakes in other areas. The Tigers turned the ball over six more times than NC State and were outscored 19-6 in points off turnovers. That’s a tough gap to overcome, especially in a close game.
The free throw line also told a story. Clemson was outscored by seven at the stripe - and those three missed free throws in overtime were particularly costly. In a game this tight, every possession matters, and the Tigers left just enough points on the table to let this one slip away.
What’s Next
Clemson won’t have much time to dwell on this one. The Tigers hit the road next, traveling to Georgia Tech for a Saturday noon tip on ACC Network. With the ACC standings tightening up, every game matters - and how Clemson responds to its first conference loss could say a lot about this team’s ceiling.
There’s no question the Tigers have the talent and toughness to bounce back. Tuesday night showed they can rally from behind, but it also highlighted the fine margins that separate wins from losses in ACC play. The road ahead won’t get any easier - but this group has shown they’re built for the grind.