Clemson Triumphs Over Wake Forest
In a thrilling encounter on Wednesday night, Clemson triumphed over Wake Forest with a score of 71-62, securing their spot in the quarterfinals of the ACC Tournament. The fifth-seeded Tigers improved their season record to 23-9, showcasing a stunning offensive display during the first half.
First Half Dominance
Right from the start, Clemson asserted dominance by nailing seven 3-pointers within the first 12 minutes of play, quickly establishing a 29-18 lead. By halftime, they had converted nine of their 18 attempts from beyond the arc and led by a commanding 41-23 margin, benefiting greatly from contributions off the bench, who shot an impressive 5 for 6 from deep. Notably, during the entire first half, Clemson’s Nick Davidson was the sole player to take free throws, but he missed both attempts.
Second Half Action
As the second half unfolded, the Tigers extended their lead to 52-32 just over six minutes in. However, Wake Forest’s Nate Calmese ignited a comeback with a series of nine consecutive points, including a 3-pointer and a three-point play, narrowing the gap.
Despite a late rally from the Demon Deacons, cutting the deficit to eight points amid a brief scoring slump for the Tigers, Clemson ultimately rebounded. Ace Buckner broke the team’s dry spell with a layup, and they sealed the game by sinking six free throws in the closing minute.
Player Highlights
Wake Forest, a 13th seed in the tournament with a current record of 17-16, was led by Juke Harris, who scored 22 points, marking his 33rd straight game with double figures—a new record for the school. Calmese added 20 points while Tre’Von Spillers contributed a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds.
Clemson’s strategy proved effective, with ten players logging at least ten minutes on the court and all scoring a minimum of three points. However, RJ Godfrey stood out with his performance, contributing 11 points and eight rebounds.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, Clemson’s next challenge will be against the fourth-seeded North Carolina in the quarterfinals on Thursday.
