Clemson Tigers Beat No. 24 SMU 74-70 | ACC Basketball Recap Jan 7, 2026
CLEMSON, S.C. — The Clemson Tigers secured a crucial Quad 1 victory Wednesday night, defeating No. 24 SMU 74-70 at Littlejohn Coliseum to improve to 3-0 in Atlantic Coast Conference play and 13-2 overall.
In a battle of contrasting styles, Clemson's methodical, defense-first approach prevailed over SMU's high-tempo offense. The Tigers never trailed in the contest, building a nine-point halftime advantage by holding the Mustangs to their lowest first-half point total of the season and zero fast-break points.
Freshman Chase Thompson provided a spark off the bench with seven first-half points, including an emphatic dunk during a 12-point run that gave Clemson control. The Tigers maintained their composure throughout the second half, consistently answering SMU scoring runs with baskets of their own.
Butta Johnson hit back-to-back three-pointers early in the second half to push Clemson's lead back to double digits after SMU threatened to cut into the deficit. The Tigers maintained a 10-12 point cushion for much of the period.
SMU guard Boopie Miller, who entered averaging 20.4 points per game, mounted a late challenge with clutch baskets and trips to the free-throw line. However, Clemson's defense delivered a critical blow by holding SMU's Corey Washington scoreless before he fouled out with under four minutes remaining. Washington had scored 23 points against North Carolina just days earlier.
The Mustangs used their final timeout trailing by four with 46 seconds left, but the ensuing possession stalled, sealing Clemson's victory.
Stars and Standouts
Multiple Tigers contributed to the balanced offensive effort that has become a hallmark of Brad Brownell's squad. The defensive performance stood out most significantly, as Clemson disrupted SMU's preferred uptempo style and forced the Mustangs into difficult half-court sets.
The Tigers' ability to protect the basketball while forcing turnovers proved decisive. Clemson committed just six turnovers compared to SMU's higher total, maintaining the ball security that has defined their season.
ACC Tournament Implications
The victory over a ranked opponent strengthens Clemson's resume considerably. As one of two undefeated teams in ACC play at the time, the Tigers positioned themselves favorably for both conference tournament seeding and NCAA Tournament at-large consideration.
The win represented Clemson's ninth straight victory overall and demonstrated their ability to execute in high-pressure situations against quality opposition. With conference play accelerating, the Tigers established themselves as a legitimate contender in the expanded ACC.
Coach Brownell's defensive schemes effectively neutralized SMU's transition game, forcing the Mustangs to play at Clemson's preferred pace. This adaptability will prove valuable as the Tigers navigate the challenging ACC schedule ahead.
