Prep Zone

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Clemson appeared to have the ACC Tournament quarterfinal firmly under control Thursday night, but the Tigers ultimately needed every second of the clock to secure an 80–79 victory over No. 19 North Carolina at the Spectrum Center. After building an 18-point lead in the second half, Clemson watched the Tar Heels storm back behind a late barrage of three-pointers that nearly produced one of the tournament’s most dramatic comebacks. The Tigers managed to survive the rally thanks to clutch free throws and a final defensive stand that sealed their place in the ACC Tournament semifinals. With the win, Clemson improved to 24–9 and advanced to face top-seeded Duke in Friday night’s semifinal matchup. North Carolina dropped to 24–8 and will now await its NCAA Tournament seeding. Davidson Leads Clemson’s Balanced Offense Nick Davidson delivered a standout performance for Clemson, finishing with 17 points and 11 rebounds to record his first double-double of the season and the 12th of his collegiate career. The forward was a major factor in Clemson’s perimeter success, hitting all four of his three-point attempts and stretching North Carolina’s defense throughout the game. His ability to score both inside and outside helped Clemson maintain offensive rhythm during key stretches. The Tigers also showcased impressive balance offensively. Dillon Hunter scored 14 points and proved especially valuable late in the game by converting four free throws in the final minute to help secure the victory. RJ Godfrey added 13 points, while Ace Buckner contributed 11. Jestin Porter and Butta Johnson each scored 10 points as Clemson placed six players in double figures. Clemson shot nearly 50 percent from the field and connected on nine of its 19 three-point attempts. The Tigers’ efficient perimeter shooting helped them build a lead that once looked large enough to carry them comfortably into the semifinals. Clemson Takes Control Late in the First Half The opening half featured a competitive back-and-forth battle between two of the ACC’s top programs. North Carolina briefly took control early, building its largest first-half lead at 14–8 while attacking the rim and pushing the pace in transition. Clemson responded by tightening its defense and finding more efficient scoring opportunities. With the game tied at 22–22 midway through the half, the Tigers began to take control. Clemson used a 17–9 run to create separation, capitalizing on strong perimeter shooting and solid contributions from its bench. By halftime, Clemson held a 39–31 advantage after limiting North Carolina’s offensive rhythm in the closing minutes of the half. Tigers Build Commanding Second-Half Lead Clemson carried that momentum into the second half and quickly extended its lead. An early scoring surge pushed the Tigers ahead 58–41 with just over 12 minutes remaining. Moments later, Clemson expanded the margin to its largest lead of the night—18 points—following a series of three-pointers and transition baskets. Butta Johnson provided a key spark during this stretch, scoring eight of his 10 points in the second half as Clemson’s offense continued to generate open looks. With just over 11 minutes left, the Tigers appeared poised to cruise into the ACC Tournament semifinals. Tar Heels Rally Behind Veesaar and Dixon North Carolina, however, refused to let the game slip away quietly. Henri Veesaar delivered the best performance of his collegiate career, finishing with 28 points and 17 rebounds while shooting efficiently throughout the game. His dominance inside kept the Tar Heels within striking distance as they began chipping away at Clemson’s lead. Freshman guard Derek Dixon also played a major role in the comeback effort. Dixon scored 16 points and knocked down four three-pointers, including several late shots that reignited North Carolina’s hopes. As Clemson’s offense slowed late in the game, the Tar Heels began heating up from beyond the arc. Veesaar and Dixon combined to hit multiple three-pointers during the closing minutes, quickly erasing most of Clemson’s once-comfortable lead. With less than 30 seconds remaining, North Carolina had trimmed the deficit to just two points. Free Throws Secure Clemson Victory Despite the late pressure, Clemson remained composed in the final moments. Dillon Hunter stepped to the free-throw line with 11.1 seconds remaining and calmly converted two critical shots, extending Clemson’s lead to four points and providing valuable breathing room. North Carolina answered immediately when Dixon drilled another three-pointer with just seconds remaining, cutting the score to 80–79 and setting up a dramatic final possession. Clemson’s Nick Davidson was fouled on the ensuing inbound play but missed both free throws, giving the Tar Heels one last opportunity. Jarin Stevenson grabbed the rebound and launched a desperation three-quarter-court shot as time expired, but the attempt fell well short, allowing Clemson to escape with the narrow victory. Final Takeaway Clemson’s 80–79 victory showcased the Tigers’ offensive balance and ability to execute in high-pressure situations. Six players scoring in double figures and strong perimeter shooting helped Clemson build a significant lead, while clutch free throws in the closing seconds ultimately preserved the win. North Carolina’s late surge nearly produced one of the most memorable comebacks of the ACC Tournament, powered by Veesaar’s career performance and Dixon’s perimeter shooting. In the end, however, the Tar Heels simply ran out of time.  Clemson now moves on to face No. 1 seed Duke in the ACC Tournament semifinals, carrying momentum from one of the most thrilling games of the tournament.

NC State Eliminates Pitt 98–88 Behind Copeland’s 24 Points in ACC Tournament CHARLOTTE, N.C. — NC State delivered one of its most complete offensive performances of the season Wednesday afternoon, defeating Pittsburgh 98–88 in the second round of the ACC Tournament at the Spectrum Center. Behind a balanced scoring attack, efficient shooting, and timely second-half execution, the seventh-seeded Wolfpack pulled away late to secure a spot in the tournament quarterfinals. The victory improved NC State to 20–12 overall and kept the Wolfpack’s postseason hopes alive as they prepare for a quarterfinal matchup against second-seeded and 10th-ranked Virginia. For Pittsburgh, the loss brought the 2025–26 season to a close at 13–20, ending a campaign that featured flashes of offensive promise but struggled to find consistent defensive answers. Copeland Controls the Game for NC State Quadir Copeland led the way for NC State with 24 points and eight assists, orchestrating the Wolfpack offense with confidence and composure throughout the contest. Copeland consistently attacked the lane, created opportunities for teammates, and delivered several key baskets whenever Pittsburgh threatened to cut into the lead. Ven-Allen Lubin provided a strong interior presence with 18 points, using physical play around the basket to keep pressure on Pittsburgh’s defense. Paul McNeil Jr. added 15 points, while Tre Holloman contributed 14 points as the Wolfpack placed six players in double figures. Matt Able and Darrion Williams each finished with 12 points, further illustrating the depth of NC State’s offensive attack. The Wolfpack shot over 60 percent from the field and knocked down 13 three-pointers, a level of efficiency that made it difficult for Pittsburgh to generate any sustained defensive momentum. Panthers Catch Fire Early Pittsburgh entered the game determined to push the tempo, and the Panthers’ early shooting reflected that aggressive approach. Pitt found immediate success from beyond the arc, connecting on nine of its first sixteen three-point attempts. Nojus Indrusaitis played a major role in the Panthers’ early surge. His third consecutive three-pointer pushed Pittsburgh to a 34–25 lead midway through the first half, energizing the Pitt bench and putting early pressure on NC State. Cameron Corhen also made his presence felt inside, converting multiple opportunities near the rim while drawing fouls and controlling the paint. The Panthers’ hot shooting forced NC State to adjust defensively, as Pittsburgh’s offensive rhythm created a fast-paced, high-scoring first half. Despite Pitt’s early success, NC State refused to panic. Wolfpack Respond Before Halftime NC State gradually regained control during the final minutes of the first half. The Wolfpack tightened defensively and began finding more consistent scoring opportunities in transition and the half court. A 26–16 NC State run flipped the momentum before halftime. The Wolfpack’s efficient offense allowed them to erase Pittsburgh’s early lead and enter the locker room ahead 51–50 after the first 20 minutes. Both teams were remarkably efficient during the opening half. Each shot over 60 percent from the field, and perimeter shooting played a major role in the back-and-forth scoring battle. While Pittsburgh relied heavily on its three-point shooting, NC State balanced inside scoring with perimeter shooting to maintain offensive flexibility. NC State Seizes Control After the Break The turning point arrived early in the second half when NC State delivered a decisive run that shifted the momentum permanently. The Wolfpack opened the half with a 12–2 surge, quickly extending their lead to 63–52 before Pittsburgh could respond. The early scoring burst forced the Panthers into a more urgent pace and allowed NC State to dictate the tempo of the game. Matt Able later buried a three-pointer to stretch the Wolfpack lead to 76–62, giving NC State its largest advantage of the afternoon. The Wolfpack’s ball movement and shooting efficiency continued to create open looks, while Pittsburgh struggled to generate the same rhythm it had established earlier in the game. Pitt Makes Several Pushes Despite trailing for most of the second half, Pittsburgh continued to fight. Cameron Corhen delivered a standout performance, finishing with a career-high 27 points while adding seven rebounds. His ability to score inside and draw fouls kept the Panthers within striking distance during several key stretches. Omari Witherspoon and Nojus Indrusaitis each added 19 points. Indrusaitis was particularly effective from long range, connecting on five three-pointers while also contributing six assists and four rebounds. Barry Dunning Jr. chipped in 11 points and logged heavy minutes, helping Pitt stay competitive in a game that featured multiple offensive runs. The Panthers shot an impressive 57 percent from the field and finished 12-of-27 from three-point range. However, their defensive struggles ultimately proved costly as they were unable to slow NC State’s scoring attack. Offensive Efficiency Decides the Game While Pittsburgh delivered one of its stronger offensive performances of the season, NC State’s efficiency ultimately made the difference. The Wolfpack shot 60.8 percent from the field, connected on 13 of 23 three-point attempts, and converted 23 of 27 free throws. Their ability to score from multiple positions on the floor and maintain offensive rhythm throughout the game prevented Pitt from fully regaining control. Each time Pittsburgh managed to cut the deficit to single digits, NC State responded with a timely basket or defensive stop to restore its cushion. Final Takeaway NC State’s 98–88 victory showcased the Wolfpack at their offensive best. Balanced scoring, excellent shooting efficiency, and a strong second-half surge allowed NC State to secure the win and advance in the ACC Tournament. For Pittsburgh, the loss marked the end of a season that featured several strong individual performances, including Corhen’s career-high outing and solid contributions from Witherspoon and Indrusaitis. However, the Panthers ultimately could not match NC State’s sustained scoring pressure. As the ACC Tournament continues, NC State now turns its focus to a challenging quarterfinal matchup against Virginia, carrying momentum from one of its most efficient offensive performances of the season.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — SMU opened its ACC Tournament run with a strong second-half performance Tuesday afternoon, defeating Syracuse 86–69 at the Spectrum Center behind a dominant effort from Boopie Miller and a decisive scoring run that broke the game open. The 11th-seeded Mustangs placed five starters in double figures and used a burst of three-point shooting midway through the second half to pull away from the 14th-seeded Orange. The victory improved SMU to 20–12 on the season and advanced the Mustangs to the second round of the ACC Tournament. Syracuse finished its season at 15–17 after falling short despite a strong scoring performance from Nate Kingz. Miller Leads the Mustangs Boopie Miller set the tone offensively for SMU, finishing with a game-high 25 points while knocking down five three-pointers and consistently creating scoring opportunities. Miller scored 11 points in the first half to help the Mustangs maintain a narrow advantage and continued to attack throughout the second half as SMU gradually built separation. His scoring presence forced Syracuse’s defense to stretch, opening additional opportunities for SMU’s supporting cast. Jaron Pierre Jr. also delivered a crucial scoring performance, finishing with 21 points. Most of his production came after halftime, when he caught fire from the perimeter and helped ignite the Mustangs’ decisive run. Tight First Half Sets the Stage The game remained competitive throughout the first half as both teams traded runs and momentum swings. Syracuse jumped out to an early advantage behind the hot shooting of Nate Kingz, who scored seven of the Orange’s first ten points. SMU answered quickly as Miller scored eight consecutive points during one stretch to give the Mustangs a 16–10 lead. The Orange responded with a scoring burst of their own, reclaiming the lead midway through the half as Tyler Betsey connected from three-point range and Kingz continued to attack the basket. The teams exchanged baskets down the stretch of the half, and SMU carried a slim 39–38 lead into halftime behind strong interior play from Jaden Toombs, who recorded a first-half double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Mustangs Break Game Open in Second Half Syracuse briefly stayed within striking distance early in the second half and trimmed the deficit to 56–48 with roughly twelve minutes remaining. That was when SMU delivered the run that ultimately decided the game. The Mustangs exploded for a 13–0 scoring burst in under three minutes, fueled by three-point shooting and aggressive play on both ends of the floor. Pierre drilled consecutive three-pointers to begin the run, Miller added a three and a pair of free throws, and Corey Washington finished the stretch from the line. The scoring surge pushed SMU’s lead to 69–48 and effectively removed any suspense from the final minutes. Balanced Production Powers SMU SMU’s starting lineup produced all 86 points in the victory, highlighting the Mustangs’ offensive balance throughout the game. In addition to Miller’s 25 points and Pierre’s 21, Jaden Toombs finished with 16 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists in a dominant all-around performance. Samet Yigitoglu also recorded a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds, while Corey Washington contributed 12 points. The Mustangs also controlled key statistical areas of the game, outrebounding Syracuse 44–31 and scoring 26 second-chance points. Syracuse Shows Fight but Falls Short Despite the loss, Syracuse received a strong offensive performance from Nate Kingz, who finished with 25 points while shooting efficiently throughout the game. Tyler Betsey added 15 points and five three-pointers while also grabbing a team-high seven rebounds. Naithan George contributed 11 assists, helping orchestrate much of the Orange offense. Syracuse made several pushes in the second half and even cut the deficit to ten points late, but SMU’s shooting surge and rebounding advantage proved too much to overcome. Final Takeaway SMU’s 86–69 victory showcased the Mustangs’ ability to respond in postseason play after a difficult stretch late in the regular season. Boopie Miller’s scoring leadership, Pierre’s second-half shooting, and the team’s rebounding advantage helped SMU control the game when it mattered most. With the win, the Mustangs advance to face Louisville in the second round of the ACC Tournament as they look to continue building momentum in Charlotte.