While the ACC lost the event, Clemson continued its strong start to the season with a dominant 67–51 victory over Maryland. The Tigers led by as many as 25 in the game, riding yet another elite defensive performance to move to 4–0 on the young season. Brad Brownell’s club limited the Terrapins to just 15 points in the first half, forcing 10 turnovers in the opening period and making life incredibly difficult for the Terps with its ball pressure and crisp rotations. Overall, the Tigers held Maryland to just 0.82 points per possession, per KenPom, marking the fourth straight game during which Clemson has kept its opponent under 1 point per possession.
With wins over Mississippi State, Purdue and now Maryland, the Tigers have quietly built a solid résumé for March before conference play and will get another opportunity Saturday against Alabama. Fordham transfer Nick Honor has given this team another capable scorer, and he was one of four Tigers in double figures on the night with 10 points and a pair of made threes. This team may not wow you with NBA talent or a high-flying offense, but its stingy defense could be enough to get Clemson back to the Big Dance.