Clemson Basketball: 3 keys for Sweet Sixteen NCAA Tournament game against Arizona

Keep the chip on the shoulder

At every stage this season and postseason, Clemson has been counted out. There's no reason to shed that label and mentality now as they once again are thrust into the underdog role.

Clemson has thrived as an underdog. That starts with head coach Brad Brownell, who has seemingly lived on the hot seat for a decade while quietly building a tenure with the Tigers that has lasted 14 years. He was seemingly on the hot seat again last year when the Tigers were snubbed and went to the NIT, but Brownell just keeps on chugging along.

The whole roster seemingly has that chip. Guard Joseph Girardd III was a lightning rod throughout hid lengthy career at another ACC school, Syracuse. While it hasn't always been smooth sailing for the guard since arriving at Clemson, he's been happy to prove doubters wrong.

Compare that to the Wildcats. Caleb Love has something to prove, but it feels likes the pressure of this moment is serious after his flameout with the North Carolina Tar Heels. He hasn't shied away from the moment, but the burden of expectations is in his lap.

The same pressure applies throughout the Wildcats program. Tommy Lloyd has been one of the best college basketball coaches in the nation during his three seasons in Tucson. But despite his gaudy .822 winning percentage, he hasn't advanced past the Sweet Sixteen yet. Last year, of course, included the infamous upset at the hands of Princeton.

Arizona could be a bit tight to start the game. Clemson, on the other hand, is playing with house money at this stage. They should act like it.