NCAA Basketball: Buy or Sell Gonzaga, Houston, Kansas, Purdue, Tennessee and Clemson?

#21 Clemson: 87-72 loss at Virginia Tech

After starting the season 11-1, Brad Brownell’s Clemson Tigers have lost three straight with a most recent loss coming to Virginia Tech on Wednesday. 

Virginia Tech – who shot over 50% from the field and from behind the arc – scored 87 points against a Clemson defense that is by no means elite, but much better than that.

Amidst Clemson’s three-game losing streak, the Tigers have shot just 28% from behind the arc including a woeful 1 for 18 outing against North Carolina last Saturday at home.

All-American candidate PJ Hall’s impact has been diminished in the past two games and although the Tiger’s offense has been mostly efficient all year, finding ways to get to the free-throw line would be ideal if they want to get back in full rhythm offensively. 

Level of concern: 4/10

Although Clemson stands at just 1-3 in ACC play, I’m not overly concerned with this team moving forward. The schedule lightens up a bit with home games against Boston College and Georgia Tech up next and given the quality of their non-conference schedule, the battle-tested Tigers – who have played seven Quad 1 games already – have certainly proven they can beat quality teams. I’m going to lean on trusting this team’s upside.