Clemson Tigers guard Chase Hunter (1) and forward Ian Schieffelin (4) celebrate after defeating the Arizona Wildcats in the semifinals of the West Regional of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at Crypto.com Arena. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

No. 2 Arizona beat themselves in Sweet 16 upset to No. 6 Clemson

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 3/28/24

Powered by an outrageous defensive effort and a massive night from guard Chase Hunter, No. 6 Clemson punched its ticket to the Elite Eight, earning a 77-72 upset victory over No. 2 Arizona on Thursday.

However, when the Wildcats look back at this one, they'll see they essentially beat themselves.

There is something to be said about a player, or a team, that's unafraid to keep firing, even if the ball isn't going in. However, Arizona took it to the extreme.

Far too often, they freelanced into a terrible shot, resulting in a 37.3 shooting percentage from the field (25-of-67) and a horrid 17.9% from beyond the arc.

CLEMSON IS HEADED TO THE ELITE 8 #MarchMadness @ClemsonMBB pic.twitter.com/FI5JFPnazP
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 29, 2024

Down by nine, 39-31, at halftime, Arizona responded. But, after tying the game 43-43 early in the second half, they got antsy, and panic began to set in. Poor shot selection led to more misses than makes, including a stretch where the Wildcats went without a field goal for roughly 10 minutes.

Even with Clemson in the bonus and virtually its entire front court in foul trouble, Arizona continued to throw up ill-advised attempts from deep. The Wildcats simply never took time to slow down and find an offensive rhythm.

Likewise, they refused to lean on the inside game, where they found success in spurts, and it ultimately cost them.

After shooting so poorly, Arizona was down only two, 72-70, with under a minute to go after a three-pointer from Jaden Bradley. However, Hunter answered with an incredible and-one lay-in on the next possession to seal the win.

CHASE. HUNTER.#MarchMadness @ClemsonMBB pic.twitter.com/3W2wVfEoQ2
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 29, 2024

Clemson needed Hunter's clutch play late to clinch the upset, but the moment may not have been possible without Arizona's slow start and poor shooting in the second half.

For the Clemson, it's the program's first appearance in the Elite Eight in 45 years. Meanwhile, it's off to another offseason of wondering what could have been on the Arizona side.

The Wildcats haven't reached the Elite Eight since 2015, despite earning a No. 2 seed or higher in four of six appearances.

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