Third-Seeded Tigers Make Statement, Top Wolfpack 80-54

GREENSBORO, N.C. – Clemson Men’s Basketball made another statement in its quest for an NCAA Tournament bid with a 22-4 run in the second half to pull away from sixth-seeded NC State (23-10) for a 80-54 win in the Quarterfinal Round of the ACC Tournament on Thursday night. It was Clemson’s (23-9) third win of the season over the Wolfpack, and its second by 25 or more points away from home after defeating the Pack 96-71 in Raleigh on Feb. 25.

Clemson advances to play second-seeded Virginia (24-6) in the Semifinals at Greensboro Coliseum on Friday night at 9:30 p.m. on ESPN2. The Cavaliers defeated North Carolina 68-59 earlier on Thursday evening.

Four Clemson players scored in double-figures, led by 15 points apiece from PJ Hall (Spartanburg, S.C./Dorman) and Ian Schieffelin (Loganville, Ga./Grayson). Chase Hunter (Atlanta, Ga./Westlake) scored 11 points and added a season-high nine assists, while Hunter Tyson (Monroe, N.C./Piedmont) added his 16th double-double of the season with ten points and 12 rebounds.

The Wolfpack, who were coming off a 97-point performance in a win over Virginia Tech on Wednesday, were held to 21-for-60 shooting from the floor. Clemson finished 28-of-56 (.500) from the floor, including an 11-for-24 mark from behind the arc.

Clemson started the second half strong, opening up a seven-point edge early behind Chase Hunter. After the Wolfpack cut the lead to three with 17:03 to play, a 22-4 Tiger run over the next ten minutes left Clemson with a 67-46 lead. Seven different Tigers scored during the spurt, including three pointers from four different players.

The Wolfpack took an early lead behind Jarkel Joiner, who scored 10 straight NC State points en route to a 20-11 advantage midway through the first half. Clemson went on a 13-0 run over a four-minute stretch to take a four-point lead. Clemson would lead by as much as six in the frame before heading to the locker room with a 39-36 lead.

Hall led the Tigers with 11 points in the half, including three 3-pointers, and Ian Schieffelin added nine on 4-for-5 shooting.

Notes: 

• The win was Clemson’s sixth of the season by 20 or more points against ACC teams, it was Clemson’s 15th this season against ACC competition
• Clemson advances to the ACC Tournament semifinals for the first time since 2018 and will face the same opponent in Virginia
• Hunter Tyson secured his 16th double-double of the season - tying himself for fifth all-time in program history for a single season.