MICHAEL J. LEWIS

SPECIAL TO THE NEWS

BROOKLYN, N.Y.– Wednesday’s 79-72 ACC Tournament loss to Duke was a fitting end to a Clemson men’s basketball season, because it encapsulated so many of the things that made this year maddening to Tigers fans.

Playing evenly with a blueblood program for a long portion of the game. Making a late run after falling behind and getting within a bucket or two within the last few minutes.

And then one play here or there diminishing the Tigers’ chances. In Wednesday’s case, it was a missed open layup by Elijah Thomas with 2:04 left that would’ve brought the Tigers to within one point.

The opponent then makes a few crucial, winning plays, and Clemson trudges off the court knowing it could’ve won.

“We have the talent to play with anyone in the country, we’ve shown that,” said Jaron Blossomgame, who was terrific against Duke, scoring 19 points and grabbing eight rebounds. “We could’ve made some plays late, and they did make their plays.”

The Tigers (17-15) lost their 11th game by single digits, and had to do it without contributions from top 3-point shooter Avry Holmes, who took only three shots and was scoreless while trying to play through a left ankle injury.

It now looks like another trip to the NIT for Clemson, which would make it a six-year NCAA Tournament drought for coach Brad Brownell.

His career record at Clemson is 124-102, but just 33-30 the past two years. Brownell has three years remaining on a six-year contract he signed in May 2014, but his job security has been discussed on Clemson fan sites and on college basketball blogs. Many wonder if the Tigers might think about a change. If fired this year, Brownell would be entitled to $3.5 million from Clemson.

But athletics director Dan Radakovich stood behind his head coach.

“It’s been a very difficult season, no doubt,” said Radakovich, who was in New York for the tournament. “But this team continues to compete at a high level in a very difficult league. Brad and I will sit down and talk about things in the program like we do every year, but certainly the way we’re looking at it right now is to continue to work with Brad here at Clemson.”

Radakovich also pointed to extenuating circumstances in Brownell’s tenure, such as last season’s experience of playing away from Littlejohn Coliseum the whole year.

Clemson players spoke fondly of their coach after Wednesday’s loss.

“He’s an outstanding coach, a great guy and has great plans for the team,” Blossomgame said. “He coaches us hard and teaches us great things on and off the court. I love him as a coach and as a person.”

“Some of those losses, players could’ve done more for sure,” said sophomore Marcquise Reed. “I think Coach is a great coach.”

ACC tournament

Thursday's games:

No. 9 Miami vs. No. 1 North Carolina, noon

No. 5 Duke vs. No. 4 Louisville, 2 p.m.

No. 10 Wake Forest or No. 7 Virginia Tech vs No. 2 Florida State, 7 p.m.

No. 14 Pittsburgh or No. 6 Virginia vs. No. 3 Notre Dame, 9 p.m.

Wednesday's results:

Miami 61, Syracuse 57

Duke 79, Clemson 72

Pittsburgh vs. Virginia