MEMPHIS, Tennessee — This time last year, Clemson was still reeling over being left out of the NCAA Tournament and that led to a lackluster first round exit from the NIT.
But 2024 has seen the Tigers return to earning a spot in the field of 68 and that has taken them to Memphis where they face New Mexico Friday afternoon.
Back in December, the Tigers lost to Memphis 79-77 in that same arena so perhaps a familiar arena will help Clemson as it looks to win its first NCAA Tournament game since the 2018 run to the Sweet 16.
Clemson comes in having dropped three of its last four games including a 21-point decision at the hands of Boston College in the ACC Tournament.
Although it will be nine games in between the Boston College game and the first round matchup with New Mexico, head coach Brad Brownell hopes his team will take advantage of the rest and not succumb to the rust.