The Clemson basketball team is playing for valuable seeding here with one game remaining in the ACC regular season. Here’s a look at what’s at stake.
After NC State lost to Georgia Tech on Thursday, Clemson basketball has a chance to clinch a top-four seed in the ACC with a win on Saturday.
The Tigers, with a win on Saturday against Syracuse, will lock up a top-four seed in the ACC Tournament and earn the coveted double-bye.
Here’s a look at the updated ACC Standings for the teams playing for top seeding after the Wolfpack’s loss.
ACC Standings:
- Virginia (16-1)
- Duke (12-5)
- Clemson (11-6)
- UNC (11-6)
- Miami (10-7)
- Virginia Tech (10-7)
- NC State (10-7)
Clemson Basketball Scenarios:
The path to a double-bye is pretty simple: Win and You’re In.
I think there’s actually some crazy scenario where the Tigers could lose and still get in, but let’s start with what’s clear.
If the Tigers win, they will at least have the No. 4 seed. There’s one other game that will play a part in this: UNC at Duke.
If UNC wins…
If North Carolina wins, they and Duke would hold the tiebreakers over Clemson basketball per the ACC’s guiding standard and that would put the Tigers as the No. 4 seed.
If Duke wins…
If Duke wins, your Clemson Tigers would finish as the No. 3 seed. North Carolina would have their seventh loss of the ACC and would then have to deal with a host of other teams in the No. 4 spot.
Next: Tigers offensive line will be better in 2018
Bottom line:
Bottom line, there’s a lot to determine in the ACC, but Clemson’s path is clear. Win and you’re in. Lose and you have a complex situation that could potentially lead to more confusion. The Tigers can’t fall past the No. 6 seed even with a loss, but you’d much rather win and hold on to a double-bye.