Jan 5, 2016; Syracuse, NY, USA; Clemson Tigers forward Jaron Blossomgame (5) dunks the ball between Syracuse Orange guard Malachi Richardson (23) and center DaJuan Coleman (32) during the first half at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

The Clemson basketball team held off the Syracuse Orange and picked up a victory in overtime by a score of 74-73.

The Clemson basketball team held off the Syracuse Orange Monday night and came away with the victory in overtime by a score of 74-73.

The Tigers played physical and out-hustled the Orange in a game that they were able to hang on for the win. Clemson basketball jumped out to 33-25 lead at halftime, but were unable to maintain that lead as Syracuse came storming back to tie and, actually, take a four-point lead with around 50 seconds remaining.

Clemson basketball trailed by three with 19.6 seconds remaining and the Tigers scrambled up the court. Gabe DeVoe put up a three with 5.5 seconds left and it swished in to tie the game up and, ultimately, send it to overtime.

The Tigers outscored Syracuse 13-12 in overtime to pick up the victory. Syracuse forced a turnover, down one, on a Clemson in-bounds play, but were unable to get the shot to go. There was a scramble for the rebound and the referees ruled that it went out off of the Orange with 1.0 seconds remaining.

Final: Clemson 74, Syracuse 73 in OT. Wild finish as Tigers improve to 2-1 in ACC play. pic.twitter.com/2F1qI9XBTY — Brad Senkiw (@BradSenkiw_AIM) January 6, 2016

Jaron Blossomgame led the Tigers with 20 points and also grabbed six rebounds. Landry Nnoko also had a great game on the inside, scoring 19 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Avry Holmes finished the game with 12 points and Gabe DeVoe had 11 points, including that big three to push the game into overtime.

To be honest, while holding off Syracuse, the Clemson basketball team also held off the haters. Everyone, including myself, had already dismissed this team and now they have won two-straight ACC games against quality opponents.

I’m not saying this team is a NCAA Tournament team, but they have shown they are capable of competing with solid competition and, hopefully, will continue to make a run in the ACC and to the NIT Tournament.

Clemson basketball will now have three-straight home games in which they will host Louisville, Duke, and Miami. The Cardinals will come to Bon Secours Wellness Arena on Sunday. If the Tigers could find a way to win at least one, possibly two, of the next three, it would go a long way in getting back in the NIT picture.