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Clemson Men's Basketball Coach Addresses Losing Streak
Brownell cites defensive struggles as common thread during four-game skid
Feb. 24, 2026 at 1:23pm
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Clemson men's basketball coach Brad Brownell says his team's defense has not been up to par during their current four-game losing streak. Brownell believes the Tigers' inability to consistently stop opponents on the defensive end has been the main factor behind their recent struggles, which have seen them drop from No. 38 in the NET Rankings.
Why it matters
Clemson was expected to be a contender in the ACC this season, so this losing streak has been a disappointing setback. The Tigers' defensive struggles are particularly concerning, as their identity under Brownell has traditionally been built around a stifling defense. If they can't get that side of the ball figured out, it could jeopardize their chances of making the NCAA Tournament.
The details
During the four-game skid, Brownell's team has allowed opponents to shoot 52%, 55%, and 50% from the field in three of those losses. He acknowledged that his team has also struggled to consistently knock down open shots on the offensive end. Brownell believes the Tigers need to get their defense back to an elite level in the ACC in order to start winning games again.
- Clemson has lost four straight games.
- The Tigers' last four losses have come against Virginia Tech, Duke, Wake Forest, and Florida State.
The players
Brad Brownell
The head coach of the Clemson men's basketball team, who is in his 12th season leading the program.
Dillon Hunter
A Clemson player who Brownell said played well in the team's most recent loss against Florida State.
What they’re saying
“I think defensively we haven't been very good. We did not guard Florida State well at all in the second half. That was a problem. Wake Forest was our worst defensive game of the year. That is the common theme. We have to guard better.”
— Brad Brownell, Head Coach
“Certainly, there have been some times where we have had some open shots, and maybe our guards haven't scored it as well, minus the Florida State game, we had Dillon (Hunter) playing well.”
— Brad Brownell, Head Coach
“It is going to take a lot of contributions from a lot of different players. We have to have a lot of players play on the same day to win. Defense had to be elite. It has to be one of the top defenses in the league for us to beat some of these teams. It has not bee the last couple of weeks and it is my job to find a way to fix that.”
— Brad Brownell, Head Coach
What’s next
Clemson will look to end its losing streak on Saturday when it hosts Louisville, a team that has struggled on the road this season.
The takeaway
Clemson's defensive struggles have been the primary factor behind their recent four-game losing streak, which has seen them drop in the NET Rankings. If the Tigers want to get back on track and remain in contention for the NCAA Tournament, they'll need to rediscover the defensive intensity that has been a hallmark of Brad Brownell's teams in the past.
