Joel Berry, Taylor Tannenbaum, and Luke Hancock Talk About Clemson Men’s Basketball’s Victory Over Second-Ranked Duke
In an unexpected and thrilling upset, the Clemson Tigers took down the second-ranked Duke Blue Devils in what will go down as one of the most talked-about games of the season. The win marks a major milestone for Clemson Men’s Basketball, who demonstrated resilience, poise, and an overwhelming determination in their upset victory over the powerhouse Blue Devils.
To break down the game, we sat down with Joel Berry, a former national champion with North Carolina, Taylor Tannenbaum, sports reporter and analyst, and Luke Hancock, a former national champion with Louisville, to get their expert take on how Clemson pulled off the monumental victory.
Joel Berry’s Take: Clemson’s Grit and Determination
Joel Berry, who knows a thing or two about defeating ranked teams in high-stakes games, offered his insight into how Clemson was able to topple the Blue Devils.
“Clemson’s performance was a masterclass in team basketball,” Berry began. “What I saw was a group that wasn’t intimidated by the moment. They went into the game with the mindset of proving themselves against one of the best teams in the country, and they did exactly that. They played with a level of energy and grit that really disrupted Duke’s flow. When you can make a team as talented as Duke uncomfortable, you’ve already won half the battle.”
Berry continued to highlight the key factors that led to Clemson’s victory, focusing on the Tigers’ defensive strategy and their ability to limit Duke’s scoring opportunities.
“Clemson’s defense was stifling,” Berry said. “They were forcing turnovers and contesting shots. Duke loves to play fast and get easy buckets, but Clemson slowed the game down and made Duke work for every possession. They made it tough for Duke to get into any offensive rhythm, and that’s where Clemson really capitalized. Their defense fed into their offense, and they were able to score efficiently when it mattered most.”
Berry also noted that Clemson’s ability to control the pace of the game was a key factor in their win. “It’s not just about scoring in these types of games. It’s about managing the tempo. Clemson did a fantastic job of playing the game at their speed, forcing Duke to adjust to them rather than the other way around.”
Taylor Tannenbaum’s Perspective: Clemson’s Big-Game Execution
Sports reporter and analyst Taylor Tannenbaum focused on how Clemson handled the pressure of the moment and executed in critical situations.
“Clemson’s composure under pressure really stood out to me,” Tannenbaum said. “In a game like this, with Duke being ranked second and carrying such a historic program, the pressure is on. Clemson didn’t let that faze them. In the final minutes, when Duke started to make a run and try to force their way back into the game, Clemson remained calm. That’s something you need to beat a team like Duke, and they didn’t let the weight of the moment overwhelm them.”
Tannenbaum praised Clemson’s leadership, especially from their upperclassmen, who stepped up when it was most needed. “You could see the leadership from the veteran players on the floor. They were poised in critical situations, taking care of the ball, and making smart decisions. Those are the kind of plays that are going to win you big games.”
She also pointed to the impact of Clemson’s bench, which contributed valuable minutes and energy, particularly in moments when the Blue Devils started to apply more pressure. “The bench made a huge impact. Sometimes, in big games like this, it’s the unsung heroes off the bench who help carry the team through tough stretches. Clemson’s bench did just that, providing solid defense, hitting timely shots, and helping keep Duke on their heels.”
Luke Hancock’s Analysis: Duke’s Struggles and Clemson’s Smart Play
Luke Hancock, a former national champion with Louisville, shared his thoughts on how Duke’s performance allowed Clemson to take control of the game and come out with the win.
“First off, Duke just didn’t execute the way we’re used to seeing them,” Hancock noted. “They came out a little flat, and credit to Clemson for taking advantage of that. Duke has so many talented players, but they never really got into the flow offensively. There were times when they settled for tough shots or forced plays instead of sticking to what makes them so effective.”
Hancock observed that Duke’s offensive struggles played right into Clemson’s hands. “When Duke isn’t executing at their best, they can be a little predictable. Clemson did a great job of defending without fouling and forcing Duke to play outside their comfort zone. The Blue Devils didn’t get easy looks in transition, and they struggled to find their rhythm in the half-court offense.”
He also pointed out how Duke’s defense couldn’t keep pace with Clemson’s offensive attack. “On the other end, Clemson was efficient. They moved the ball well, and they weren’t afraid to challenge Duke’s defense. When you’re facing a team like Duke, you need to make them pay for every mistake. Clemson was quick to capitalize on Duke’s defensive lapses, and that’s why they were able to stretch the lead in the second half.”
Hancock also commended Clemson for their ability to manage Duke’s talent and star players, including their standout freshman. “Even when Duke’s top players got going in the second half, Clemson never backed down. They kept the pressure on, and it made a difference when it came down to those key moments late in the game. In games like this, it’s not just about how many points you score, but how you manage the high-leverage situations. Clemson was the better team when it mattered most.”
Clemson’s Path Forward: Building on the Victory
With this win over Duke, Clemson Men’s Basketball has not only proven their ability to compete with the nation’s best but has also placed themselves firmly in the conversation for NCAA Tournament seeding. A victory over the second-ranked team in the country can do wonders for a program, both in terms of confidence and national recognition.
Berry, Tannenbaum, and Hancock all agreed that this victory could serve as a turning point for the Tigers’ season. “Clemson has shown they can compete with anyone,” Berry said. “They’ll need to carry this momentum forward and stay focused on the next game, but this victory will give them a ton of confidence heading into the rest of the season.”
Tannenbaum echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the importance of sustaining this level of play. “It’s about consistency now,” she said. “Clemson can’t let this win define their season. They’ve got to keep their foot on the gas and continue playing with this intensity, especially as they head into the postseason.”
Hancock offered some final thoughts on what Clemson needs to do next. “I think this is a program-defining win for Clemson,” he said. “They’ve been able to prove they belong at the top level, but now they’ve got to show that they can keep playing at that level. If they can continue to play disciplined, team-oriented basketball and avoid slipping into bad habits, they could be a dangerous team come tournament time.”
Final Thoughts: A Historic Upset
Clemson’s victory over Duke is one of those games that fans will remember for years to come. Not only did the Tigers defeat the second-ranked team in the country, but they did so in a way that showcased their talent, poise, and smart basketball IQ. This win will undoubtedly go down as one of the highlights of the season for Clemson, and it has set the stage for a thrilling finish to their campaign.
As Duke looks to regroup and refocus for the rest of the season, Clemson has earned the respect and attention of the college basketball world. If the Tigers continue to play with the same intensity and execution they showed against Duke, they may just be a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming postseason.