Clemson Climbs to No. 13 in AP Top 25 After Key Victory

CLEMSON, S.C. — The Clemson men’s basketball team has made a significant leap in the AP Top 25 standings, moving up five spots to No. 13 following a decisive victory over Southern Methodist University (SMU) this past weekend.

The Tigers, now sporting a record of 22-5 and 14-2 in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), clinched their latest ranking after a 79-69 win against the Mustangs on Saturday. This victory also marked Clemson’s sixth consecutive ACC road win, breaking the previous record of five set by the 1986-87 team led by Horace Grant.

Clemson’s ascent in the rankings is notable, as they had fallen out of the AP Poll on December 23 after consecutive overtime losses. The team re-entered the rankings on February 10 at No. 23 and climbed to No. 18 last week. With ten wins in their last 11 games, the Tigers are proving they are a force to be reckoned with as the postseason approaches.

“It feels great to see our hard work paying off,” Clemson head coach Brad Brownell said. “The players have shown resilience and determination, and this recognition is a testament to their effort.”

The 79-69 win against SMU not only boosts Clemson’s profile in the AP Poll but also enhances their resume in the NCAA Tournament picture, adding another Quad 1 victory. Now positioned at 4-2 against Quad 1 competition, the Tigers are tied with Louisville for second place in the ACC standings, just one game behind Duke.

The Tigers are aiming for their third consecutive year with at least 23 wins, a feat only matched by the Duke Blue Devils in the ACC. Clemson will have a chance to solidify this goal on Wednesday when they host Notre Dame at Littlejohn Coliseum. The game is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. and will be broadcast on the ACC Network.

In the latest rankings, Clemson’s rise is echoed by the fact that no other ACC teams are currently represented in the top 25. This season has posed challenges for the conference’s perception nationally, but recent performances by the Tigers could help shift that narrative.

“We understand that there is a lot at stake right now,” senior forward PJ Hall stated post-game. “We’re focused on winning each game and making a statement before the tournament.”

The Tigers’ upcoming schedule includes winnable games against Notre Dame and Virginia, which presents an opportunity for them to continue climbing the rankings leading into March.

As the season progresses, Clemson’s remarkable improvement has begun to catch national attention—highlighting the potential for a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.