NC State Stuns No. 18 Clemson 80-76 in Overtime, Hands Tigers First ACC Loss
CLEMSON, S.C. — Ven-Allen Lubin scored 22 points and Derrion Williams hit a critical three-pointer with 2:40 remaining in overtime as NC State ended No. 18 Clemson's nine-game winning streak with an 80-76 victory Tuesday night at Littlejohn Coliseum.
The Wolfpack (13-6, 4-2 ACC) handed Clemson (16-4, 6-1 ACC) its first conference loss of the season in a physical, back-and-forth contest that required an extra period to decide. The loss snapped Clemson's string of 24 wins in its last 26 ACC games dating to last season.
NC State seized control in the first half with a devastating 19-5 run that transformed an 18-14 deficit into a 33-23 lead with 3:59 remaining in the opening period. The Wolfpack's defense stifled Clemson during a critical 10-minute stretch, holding the Tigers to just two made field goals.
Clemson battled back in regulation, with Dillon Hunter and Butta Johnson hitting timely three-pointers to repeatedly cut seven-point deficits to four. Neither team could establish a decisive advantage, and regulation ended with the score knotted at 69-69 after NC State failed to convert on its final possession.
In overtime, Williams' three-pointer proved decisive. After Clemson briefly held the advantage, Williams' deep shot gave the Wolfpack a lead they would not relinquish. Lubin calmly sank two free throws with 18 seconds remaining to extend the margin to four, and after Clemson turned the ball over, Matt Able's two free throws with 10 seconds left sealed the outcome.
Clemson managed a putback at the buzzer for the final 80-76 margin.
Stars and Standouts
Lubin dominated with exceptional efficiency, converting nine of 12 field goal attempts while making all four free throws. The ACC's field goal percentage leader showcased his interior scoring prowess and ability to finish through contact. His 22 points led all scorers.
Williams added 17 points, six rebounds and three assists for NC State, delivering when the Wolfpack needed scoring most. His overtime three-pointer will be remembered as the game's defining moment. Quadir Copeland contributed 16 points and a game-high six assists while adding two steals. Paul McNeil Jr. rounded out NC State's double-figure scorers with 10 points.
The Wolfpack's free-throw shooting proved decisive. NC State converted 22 of 25 attempts (88 percent), including a remarkable 20-of-22 in the second half and overtime. Clemson struggled from the charity stripe, making just 15 of 24 (63 percent).
For Clemson, turnovers proved costly. The Tigers committed 13 turnovers that NC State converted into 19 points, a decisive swing in a four-point game.
ACC Tournament Implications
The defeat marks Clemson's first conference setback but does not significantly damage their ACC Tournament positioning. At 6-1 in league play, the Tigers remain in strong contention for a top-four finish and the coveted double-bye.
However, the loss exposes areas requiring improvement. Clemson's 13 turnovers represented uncharacteristic carelessness with the basketball. Coach Brad Brownell acknowledged post-game that guard play and decision-making needed refinement.
The overtime shooting struggles also concern. Converting just two of seven field goal attempts in the extra period, including missing all three three-point tries, suggests fatigue or execution issues in crucial moments.
For NC State, the victory represents the program's first ranked road win since defeating No. 21 Virginia in Charlottesville on Feb. 24, 2021. First-year coach Will Wade, a Clemson alum who served as a student manager and graduate assistant for the Tigers, earned his first signature win with the Wolfpack.
The defeat provides Clemson a measuring stick for improvement. Championship teams respond to adversity, and the Tigers' response in subsequent games will reveal their true character.
