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ESPN's Joe Lunardi updates Clemson tournament projection following NC State win

20200517_134556by:Justin Rudolph•02/25/23
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RALEIGH, NC - FEBRUARY 25: Dillon Hunter #2 of the Clemson Tigers prepares to shoot a technical free throw during the second half of their game against the NC State Wolfpack at PNC Arena on February 25, 2023 in Raleigh, North Carolina. Clemson won 96-71. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)

The Clemson Tigers entered into Saturday’s contest against NC State with a 20-8 record and 12-5 in conference play. Still, according to ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunardi, the Tigers sat on the outside looking in for his recent NCAA men’s tournament bracket. After Clemson’s emphatic 96-71 victory on the road against the WolfPack, the Tigers have improved their projected standings in the eyes of the expert.

“A huge road win for Clemson, blowing at NC State in Raleigh, puts Clemson into (the) first four out. Still alive,” said Lunardi.

With the win, Clemson improves to 21-8 on the season and 13-5 in ACC play. Most importantly, they improved to 4-3 in quad-one matchups. The biggest issue for Clemson has not been how they have played against quality opponents but how they have fared against lesser competition. The Tigers are only one of two teams to lose to the struggling Louisville Cardinals this season. Along with that loss, they were also soundly defeated by Loyola Chicago 76-58 during nonconference play.

Clemson got out to a blazing hot start outscoring North Carolina State 54-29 to take a 25-point lead into the half. In the second half, the Wolfpack stepped up their scoring against the Tigers, but their defense was still absent. Both teams played to a draw in the second period scoring 42 apiece, resulting in Clemson’s 96-71 victory.

The Clemson starters gave NC State all they could handle, especially the backcourt duo of Brevin Galloway and Chase Hunter. The tandem combined for 43 of the Tigers’ 96 points. Also, bigs PJ Hall and Hunter Tyson chipped in quite nicely. Hall finished the game with 20 points and five rebounds while Tyson ended the game with 12 points and 11 rebounds, recording another double-double on the season.

Up next for Clemson is another big-time road matchup. On Tuesday, the Tigers will take on the ACC’s highest-ranked team, the Virginia Cavaliers. That game is scheduled for a 6 p.m. CDT tip-off from the Cavaliers’ home of John Paul Jones Arena.