Clemson Drops Overtime Heartbreaker to NC State, 80-76, in ACC Clash
CLEMSON, S.C. - Clemson’s unbeaten run in ACC play came to an end Tuesday night in front of a packed house at Littlejohn Coliseum, as the Tigers fell 80-76 in overtime to NC State. It was a gritty, back-and-forth battle that saw Clemson erase a double-digit deficit, take a late lead, and force overtime - only to come up short in the extra frame.
This one had all the hallmarks of a classic conference showdown. Clemson (16-4, 6-1 ACC) trailed by as many as 11 in the first half, struggling to find rhythm early.
But the Tigers showed their usual resilience, chipping away at the lead and eventually tying the game at 67-67. With just over a minute left in regulation, RJ Godfrey gave Clemson its first lead of the night with a strong finish at the rim - a moment that had the home crowd on its feet.
But NC State had a response. A pair of clutch free throws tied the game, and both teams went cold in the final minute, sending the contest into overtime.
In the extra period, it was the Wolfpack who executed better down the stretch, outscoring Clemson 11-7. The Tigers missed three free throws in overtime - costly in a game this tight.
Godfrey led the way for Clemson with 16 points and seven rebounds, continuing his impressive run of form. That’s now eight straight games in double figures for the sophomore forward, who’s quietly becoming one of the Tigers’ most consistent two-way players.
Carter Welling added 14 points and nine boards, just missing a double-double. His physicality on the glass and ability to score in traffic once again gave Clemson a boost, especially in the second half. Welling’s now logged four straight games in double figures and five with at least nine rebounds - a sign of his growing impact in the frontcourt.
Off the bench, Ace Buckner delivered 12 points, giving the Tigers a needed spark. It marked his sixth game this season scoring in double digits, and his ability to create offense in spurts was key in keeping Clemson within striking distance.
Dillon Hunter, who continues to emerge as a steady presence at the point, dished out five assists - his fourth game this year with five or more. He helped orchestrate the Tigers’ second-half surge, pushing the tempo and finding open looks for teammates.
Despite the strong individual performances, Clemson couldn’t overcome some key team-wide issues. The Tigers lost the turnover battle by six - a stat that loomed large as NC State turned those miscues into 19 points.
Clemson also struggled at the line, giving up seven points in the free throw margin. And while they did win the rebounding battle 38-30, those extra possessions didn’t fully translate into points.
This was a game that Clemson had within reach, and the loss will sting - not just because it ends their perfect ACC record, but because they had the momentum late and couldn’t close the door. Still, there’s plenty to build on.
The fight was there. The pieces are there.
And with the heart of conference play still ahead, this group has the toughness to bounce back.
Next up: Clemson heads to Atlanta for a Saturday afternoon matchup against Georgia Tech. Tipoff is set for 12 p.m. on ACC Network.