The Clemson Tigers found themselves in need of a big win to boost their resume as a potential NCAA Tournament team. On Tuesday, they came up with just that in historic fashion against the North Carolina Tar Heels.
As of Monday, ESPN’s Joe Linardi listed Clemson as an eighth seed in the 68-team NCAA Tournament field. It’s a good spot to be in, but with a win against the No. 3 ranked Tar Heels, they could solidify their standing of being firmly in the tournament.
They were able to do just that, coming away with an 80-76 victory over North Carolina.
DOWN GOES #3 UNC 🏀 pic.twitter.com/R3FV4Sik87
— ClemsonSportsNetwork (@ClemsonSportNet) February 7, 2024
Not only does this win loom large on Clemson’s resume for the rest of the season, but it is also an important moment in the history of their basketball program.
Clemson has played 62 road games in Chapel Hill over the course of their program history. And this victory marks just the second time that they have ever won at the Dean E. Smith Center.
Clemson is now 2️⃣-60 all time in Chapel Hill 🔥🐅 pic.twitter.com/tWryNZdaRH
— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) February 7, 2024
Fans took to social media after the game to offer their reactions to Clemson’s upset victory in enemy territory.
DOWN GOES NO. 3 ✖️
The Clemson Tigers hand UNC their first home loss of the season 🐅#ClemsonGRITpic.twitter.com/2eXeQBH5Vu
— DraftKings Sportsbook (@DKSportsbook) February 7, 2024
Oh no we’re so back pic.twitter.com/ad8uoc4lOx
— Barstool Clemson (@BarstoolClemson) February 7, 2024
Huge win tonight for @ClemsonMBB in Chapel Hill! https://t.co/fLQZauQR5s
— Jim Clements (@ClemsonPrez) February 7, 2024
Clemson never trailed all night. In Chapel Hill. Against #3. It was 0-0, 2-2, and it was 70-70. Aside from that, Clemson lead the Tar Heels for 38:16 of a 40 minute basketball game. As impressive a game as I've ever seen Clemson play.
Comfortably in the NCAA Tournament now.
— Austin Pendergist (@apthirteen) February 7, 2024
One of the biggest wins in Clemson MBB history right there folks. The 2nd win ever in Chapel Hill & over the #3 team in the country.
Just when this team needed it the most.
— Tiger Commenter (@TigerCommenter) February 7, 2024
Without this victory, Clemson could very well have seen themselves fall to a potential bubble team. But with a win over a potential No. 1 seed like UNC may be, Clemson fans should be feeling very comfortable about where their team sits only a month away from the NCAA Tournament.
