Them Tigers were playing to win! Geeze. They fought something fierce, didn’t they? Even though they lost, it was still a good night.
Focus on free throws, fellas. Then you’ll win a close game like this.
Rivers is a freakin’ baller!

Too bad Clemson still has the FT problems or they would have had that game easily won. I was pleased to see the defense contain Hansbrough (sp?) through the night but was as amazed as the commentators when Ellington (Ellingsworth?) was that wide open for the winning 3. That was actually a great game to watch, at least Clemson knows what it is capable of and has the entire season to mature. The depth that they have is truly going to improve their game play over the season.

I watched the game despite having my Qualifiers this morning.

Oliver Purnell has recruited better free throw shooters this season, but our handicap is the older guys who still are bad at the line. Mays and Rivers represent the old guard, and while they are critical in open play, they are also handicaps in close games at the death. This is something we will have to live with for at least this season and OP has to figure out a way around this quandry.

That said, I still consider Clemson a one-loss. The UNC game is essentially a tie. Excellent hustle by the Tigers. Not giving up will serve us well down the stretch and give us a guaranteed Big Dance berth. Here’s hoping we don’t let our heads down now…

.500+ ACC record and we will be dancing. We have to build off the game and not have a football moment where we crater after a close, big game. That being said, we should do well in conference going forward. Don’t think it’s quite as tough this year as years past. Maybe more parity. Either way, with teh couple marquee programs doing their thing, the conference should retain it’s high stature among the selection committee and send 4-6 teams dancing.

Charlotte should be a good “get back into the swing, feel good” type of game. Hopefully they use it to exercise the play book and weaknesses.