NC State survived a late Clemson surge to handed the Tigers their first conference loss of the season Tuesday night, outlasting the hosts 80-76 in an overtime thriller at Littlejohn Coliseum.
Despite trailing by as many as 11 points in the first half, Clemson (16-4, 6-1 ACC) fought back to force the extra period, only to be undone by struggles at the free-throw line and a lopsided turnover margin.
The Tigers took their first lead of the night with 1:12 remaining in regulation on a layup by RJ Godfrey, making it 69-67. However, the Wolfpack responded with a pair of free throws to tie the game at 69-69. Both teams failed to convert on final possessions, sending the contest into overtime.
In the extra frame, NC State outscored Clemson 11-7. The Tigers were hampered by three missed free throws in the period, finishing the night minus-seven in total free-throw margin compared to the Wolfpack.
“We clawed our way back, but you can’t lose the turnover battle by six and expect to beat a team like NC State,” Clemson head coach Brad Brownell said.
Godfrey led the Tigers with 16 points and seven rebounds, marking his eighth consecutive double-digit scoring performance. Carter Welling nearly notched a double-double with 14 points and nine boards, while Ace Buckner provided a spark off the bench with 12 points.
While Clemson controlled the glass, outrebounding the Wolfpack 38-30, they were decimated in transition and secondary opportunities. NC State turned Clemson’s miscues into 19 points, while the Tigers managed only six points off Wolfpack turnovers.
Dillon Hunter anchored the Clemson offense with five assists, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the efficient NC State attack.
The loss snaps a six-game winning streak for the Tigers in ACC play. Clemson will look to bounce back Saturday when they travel to Atlanta to face Georgia Tech. Tipoff is scheduled for noon on the ACC Network.
