The roller coaster was pointed up for Clemson Men’s Basketball on Saturday, straight up as a matter of fact, as the Tigers thoroughly whipped the North Carolina State Wolfpack in Raleigh by a score of 96-71.
Entering the day at No. 74 in the NET Rankings and in the second four out per Joe Lunardi’s Bracketology, the Tigers had work to do and many doubters, myself included, that they could get it done.
Get it done they did and they did it in no doubt about it style.
Brevin Galloway poured in 28 points, including 20 in the first half alone, while P.J. Hall had 20, Chase Hunter 15 and Hunter Tyson 12, as the Tigers toyed with the century mark until calling off the dogs late.
Anytime you shoot 59.6% from the field, 52.6% from three-point range and 81.8% from the free throw line you’re going to win and usually win big.
Clemson won big.
So the question is where does this leave the Tigers NCAA Tournament-wise? They’re 21-8 and 13-5 in the ACC, which by all accounts is down this season.
Clemson came into the game 3-3 vs. Quad 1, 3-1 against Quad 2, 6-2 against Quad 3 and 8-2 against Quad 4.
With North Carolina State coming in at No. 36 in the NET Rankings, this should count as a Quad 1 win, making the Tigers 4-3 in that area.
Clemson Men’s Basketball has another huge opportunity Tuesday at Virginia
The better news is Clemson has another Quad 1 opportunity, playing at Virginia on Tuesday.
It’s a huge ask for Brad Brownell’s team and while I think they made a move today, perhaps to the first four out line, a bad night Tuesday could undo all the good will the Tigers earned with a 25 point road win against a Quad 1 team.
Even if the Tigers finish the season 1-1 and we shouldn’t overlook the opportunity they’ll have in the ACC Tournament to notch another quality win or two.
This team showed today they are capable.
Being capable and doing it are two completely different things, though.