Chase Hunter reveals what led to his strong scoring performance in opening weekend

Chase Hunter rebounded, no pun intended, to help Clemson advance to the Sweet 16 with a win over Baylor this weekend.

Hunter was the leading scorer in the Tigers’ 72-64 win over the Bears. He put up 20 points, two rebounds and six assists in the victory.

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It wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows when Clemson was upset by Boston College in the ACC Tournament, where Hunter scored just two points.

But with 20 in the second round and 21 in the first of the NCAA Tournament, Hunter hit his stride.

“Just wanted to come in and just impact the game,” Hunter said. “Being that I only scored two points against Boston College, and I really wasn’t on it defensively. I wanted to make sure I came in here and I was on it defensively, offensively, just really impact the game at all levels. I just wanted to come in this tournament and fight for my teammates. That’s what I did.”

Clemson blew a few leads throughout the season. But in the tournament, especially with high pressure situations, so far so good

“It definitely did,” Hunter said. “I think as a leader on this team, us three beings leaders on this team, we got in huddles and just we made sure we got stops and got baskets when we needed them.

“There were times in this game where they started coming back. We made sure we got a stop when we needed it. That’s what helped us prevail today.”

The win meant a lot for Hunter and head coach Brad Brownell. They get another week together in pursuit of a championship.

“That’s the part that is — I just love this team,” Brownell said. “They’re really good players but they’re better people. Really proud of the culture we have in our program. Outstanding students. We do things the right way. And these guys are — they’re just fantastic to be around. The hard part now, you saw the Baylor kids. I’m sure Scott feels the same way about his kids, and you just get so attached. You love them. And when the season ends you know you’re not going to coach some of them. So it’s hard.

“To be able to spend another week with them is fantastic. And then our team was one of the last two teams probably left out of the tournament last year. And that’s heartbreaking. So some of these guys, you want it so bad for them. You talk to them about it all year. And now they’re realizing why this is such a significant tournament and what it’s going to mean for them for the rest of their lives.”