Clemson’s defense showed up in a big way as the Tigers eliminated NC State from the ACC Tournament in Brooklyn, NY, Tuesday. The Tigers defense held the Wolfpack to 35% shooting in a 70-64 victory. Clemson shooting wasn’t much better at 42%, but it didn’t have to be as NC State was limited to 24 points in the first half.
P.J. Hall proved to be a force on both ends of the floor, scoring a team-high 18 points to go with ten rebounds and four blocks. Three of Hall’s four blocks came in the second half when NC State shot just 32% from the field. The Wolfpack also hit just four of its 23 shots from beyond the arc (17%), including a one of 12 drought in the second half. David Collins (10 rebounds) helped Clemson win the rebounding battle 46-41, despite being limited to 20 minutes due to foul trouble. .Backcourt mates Nick Honor (13 points) and Al-Amir Dawes (12 points) joined Hall in double figures.
Clemson (17-15, 8-12), winners of five straight, will square off with seventh-seeded Virginia Tech in the Second Round at approximately 7 p.m., Wednesday. The Tigers knocked off Mike Young’s Hokies 63-59 in the regular season finale.
Final Box
Brad Brownell, P.J. Hall and Nick Honor
postgame press conference
