Clemson Tigers Edge Out SMU Mustangs in a Close ACC Quarterfinal

In a tightly contested ACC quarterfinal at the Spectrum Center, the Clemson Tigers secured a narrow victory over the SMU Mustangs with a final score of 57-54. This win improves the Tigers' season record to an impressive standing, showcasing their resilience and skill on the court. The Mustangs, despite a valiant effort, fell short in this matchup but not without demonstrating their competitive spirit.

Tigers' Key Performances

The game was highlighted by standout performances from several Clemson players. Chase Hunter led the scoring for the Tigers with an impressive 21 points, bolstering his stats with four rebounds and three blocks, showcasing his all-around impact on both ends of the floor. Ian Schieffelin also made significant contributions with nine points and an outstanding 12 rebounds, dominating the boards and providing crucial second-chance opportunities for his team.

Jaeden Zackery's performance was notable as well; he added 11 points to Clemson's total while securing three steals and dishing out two assists. His defensive efforts were pivotal in disrupting SMU's offensive flow throughout the game.

Mustangs' Effort

The SMU Mustangs showed tenacity, particularly in their ability to score 40 points in the paint against a tough Clemson defense. Despite struggling from beyond the arc with only seven percent shooting from three-point range, they managed to keep pace by making up ground inside and capitalizing on turnovers for eight points.

Looking Ahead

The Clemson Tigers are now set to face off against Louisville Cardinals at Spectrum Center on March 14th at 9:30 PM EDT. Fans can catch all of this action live on ESPN Networks as both teams vie for advancement in what promises to be another exciting contest.

Share this article if you're excited about Clemson's journey through ACC Tournament!