Clemson Men's Basketball Awaits NCAA Tournament Bid After ACC Semifinal Loss

Tigers coach Brad Brownell says team will 'celebrate' Selection Sunday despite falling short of ACC Tournament final

Mar. 14, 2026 at 8:48pm

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The Clemson men's basketball team saw its ACC Tournament run come to an end Friday night with a loss to top-seeded Duke in the semifinal round. Despite the defeat, head coach Brad Brownell says the Tigers will 'celebrate' on Selection Sunday as they await their NCAA Tournament seed, having compiled a 24-10 record this season.

Why it matters

Clemson's deep run in the ACC Tournament, including wins over Wake Forest and North Carolina, has put the team in strong position to earn an NCAA Tournament bid. However, falling short of the ACC final means the Tigers will have to wait until Selection Sunday to learn their postseason fate and seeding.

The details

Clemson was led by senior forward RJ Godfrey, who posted team-highs with 18 points and six rebounds in the loss to Duke. Head coach Brad Brownell praised Godfrey's performance, calling him an 'improved player' and a 'special young man.' Despite the defeat, Brownell said it's a 'privilege' to coach this year's Tigers team and that they will 'celebrate' on Selection Sunday, noting they are not 'on any bubble' after their strong 24-10 season.

  • The Clemson men's basketball team saw its ACC Tournament run come to an end on Friday, March 14, 2026.
  • The 2026 NCAA Tournament Selection Show will take place on Sunday, March 16, 2026 at 6 p.m.

The players

RJ Godfrey

Clemson senior forward who led the team with 18 points and 6 rebounds in the ACC Tournament semifinal loss to Duke.

Brad Brownell

Clemson head coach who praised his team's accomplishments this season and said they will 'celebrate' on Selection Sunday despite the semifinal defeat.

Duke

The top-seeded team that defeated Clemson 73-61 in the ACC Tournament semifinal.

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What they’re saying

“I thought he was good. I'm so proud of him. He's an improved player. What a young man. … He's just special.”

— Brad Brownell, Clemson Head Coach

“It's a privilege to coach these guys. I hate it because they're hurting. Because these guys wanted to be in the final two [of the ACC Tournament], and we're not going to get that opportunity.”

— Brad Brownell, Clemson Head Coach

“We're going to celebrate Sunday. I know that. We're not on any bubble. We've had a hell of a year, and we're going to have one hell of a fun Sunday.”

— Brad Brownell, Clemson Head Coach

What’s next

The Clemson men's basketball team will watch the 2026 NCAA Tournament Selection Show on Sunday, March 16, 2026 at 6 p.m. to learn their seed and opponent for the upcoming NCAA Tournament.

The takeaway

Despite falling short of the ACC Tournament final, Clemson's strong 24-10 season and deep postseason run have the Tigers in good position to earn an NCAA Tournament bid. Head coach Brad Brownell is proud of his team's accomplishments and is looking forward to celebrating their successful campaign on Selection Sunday.