Clemson's Jestin Porter stole the show at Purcell Pavilion, scoring 26 points to lead the Tigers to a convincing 76-61 win over Notre Dame. The junior guard's performance was the difference-maker in a game that saw Clemson take control from the opening tip. By halftime, the Tigers had built a 39-34 lead, setting the tone for a second half that would see them pull away from the Fighting Irish.
Notre Dame's Jalen Haralson did his best to keep his team in the game, scoring 18 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome Clemson's balanced attack. The Tigers' RJ Godfrey added 16 points, while Carter Welling chipped in with 14 points and 6 rebounds. Clemson's ability to spread the scoring around made it difficult for Notre Dame to key in on any one player, and the result was a 15-point margin of victory.
The game was marked by Clemson's strong defensive effort, which held Notre Dame to just 27 points in the second half. The Fighting Irish struggled to find rhythm on offense, and their 61 points were a reflection of Clemson's stingy defense. Logan Imes and Carson Towt provided some spark for Notre Dame, scoring 13 and 9 points, respectively, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Tigers' onslaught.
This win was a Quadrant 2 victory for Clemson, which should boost their tournament resume. The Tigers, now 17-4 on the season, continue to build a strong case for a high seed in the NCAA tournament. With a net ranking of 31, Clemson is solidifying their position as one of the top teams in the country. For Notre Dame, the loss drops them to 11-10, and while it was a Quadrant 2 game for them as well, the defeat won't help their tournament chances.
The margin of victory was a reflection of Clemson's superiority on the night. The Tigers outplayed Notre Dame in nearly every facet of the game, and the final score reflected their dominance. As the season wears on, Clemson want to build on this win and continue to make a push for a top seed in the tournament. With performances like Porter's, it's clear that the Tigers have the talent and depth to make a deep run in the postseason.
This result will undoubtedly have implications for both teams' tournament chances. Clemson's win strengthens their resume, while Notre Dame's loss will put a dent in their hopes of making the big dance. As the season enters its critical stretch, both teams want to build momentum and make a push for the tournament. For now, Clemson's dominant win over Notre Dame will be a significant boost to their resume, and they'll look to carry this momentum forward into their next game.