Top-seeded Duke used a blistering late first-half run to stifle Clemson 73-61 on Friday night, ending the Tigers’ ACC Tournament run in the semifinals at Spectrum Center.
While Clemson (24-10) found its footing in the second half, the damage was done during a cold stretch in the opening period that saw the Tigers held to a season-low 22 points before the break.
First Half Woes
The Tigers initially held their own against the nation’s top-ranked team, taking a 16-15 lead midway through the first half. However, the Blue Devils responded with a decisive 25-7 surge to close the period.
Clemson struggled to find the bottom of the net during the Duke run, shooting just 22.2% from the floor in the first half. The Blue Devils entered the locker room with a 40-22 cushion, a deficit that proved insurmountable for Brad Brownell’s squad.
Key Performers
Despite the loss, several Tigers put up strong individual numbers:
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RJ Godfrey: Led the team with 18 points and six rebounds.
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Jestin Porter: Provided a spark off the bench with 12 points, hitting 3-of-4 from beyond the arc.
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Ace Buckner: Finished with 11 points and two steals.
Late Rally Falls Short
Clemson showed resilience in the second half, actually outscoring Duke over the final 20 minutes. The Tigers managed to trim the lead to 12 points with 8:21 remaining, but the Blue Devils’ defense tightened every time Clemson threatened to pull within single digits.
The Tigers will now head back to Clemson to await their postseason fate for the NCAA Tournament.
