More and More I’m starting to see the Clemson Tigers as a legit dark horse tournament team (despite their eight loses). No, beating Boston College isn’t that impressive, but after upsetting both Syracuse and NC State on the road, showing they won’t get caught napping at home against a bad Boston College team is worth something.
Jordan Roper continue to be lights out, setting the tone early scoring his team’s first 11 points, giving Clemson an 11-3 lead six minutes into the game and that was the ball game. Boston College never could mount a challenge, falling behind by as much as sixteen late in the first half.
The result shouldn’t be surprising to anyone who has watched and Clemson basketball lately. Defensively they are dominant at times, not allowing an opponent over 70 points since before Thanksgiving. The Eagles shot just 39-percent from the floor, hitting just 8-22 from three, while Oliver Hanlan was held to 15 points on 11 shots. Roper led the way for Clemson, scoring 24, while Jaron Blossongame chipped in 16.
The Tigers have won three straight and four of five, improving to 5-4 in the ACC. Meanwhile, Boston College dips to 1-7 in league play, 9-11 for the season.