ESPN’s Joe Lunardi released his latest Bracketology update on Tuesday morning ahead of a busy week of college basketball action across the country. According to Lunardi, No. 16 Clemson could make a noticeable leap forward this week.
In his latest rankings, Lunardi projects Clemson (11-1 overall, 1-0 conference) as as a No. 2 seed (eighth overall). It’s the Tigers’ highest-ranked appearance on Lunardi’s rankings of the season to date.
Noting that Clemson is the surprise of the ACC, Lunardi believes the Tigers could “solidify its newfound status” this week with a road win against Miami.
Clemson resumes ACC play Wednesday night in Coral Gables against a Hurricanes program that is 10-2 overall and made a Final Four appearance last season.
Headed into the week, only perennial blue bloods North Carolina (No. 8) and Duke (No. 14) were ranked ahead of Clemson from the ACC in the latest AP Top 25 poll.
Wednesday’s game is scheduled for a 7 p.m. tipoff at Miami’s Watsco Center and will be televised on ESPN.