Clemson matches highest AP ranking since 2010

Elijah Thomas is one of four remaining starters averaging double-figures for Clemson.

by Brandon Rink - Staff Writer - Mon Jan 22 13:05:03 GMT-04:00 2018

Clemson moved up two spots in the latest Associated Press Top 25, matching its highest ranking in the poll since Jan. 2010.

The Tigers are now No. 18 in the AP Poll after improving to 16-3 overall and 5-2 in ACC action with a 67-58 win over Notre Dame Saturday. The USA TODAY Coaches Poll slotted Clemson No. 17 on Monday, matching their highest ranking in that poll this season.

Brad Brownell's Tigers sit at No. 6 in the RPI rankings, which has its NCAA Tournament projections moving up as well.

CBS Sports' updated bracketology pegs Clemson for a 2-seed in the East with a closer-to-home regional site of Nashville.

ESPN's Monday projection moved them to a 3-seed in the Midwest in a Dallas regional.

Clemson is up to No. 13 in the KenPom efficiency rankings, boasting a top-35 offense (33) and defense (12).

They will, however, have to overcome the loss of senior forward Donte Grantham down the stretch, who ranked second on the team in scoring (14.2), rebounds (6.9) and blocks (17).

Four Clemson starters average double-figures in Marcquise Reed (16), Shelton Mitchell (12.3) Gabe DeVoe (11.7) and Elijah Thomas (11.1). Freshman forward Aamir Simms stepped in against Notre Dame with five points in 14 minutes on 2-of-4 shooting, adding three rebounds and a block.

The Tigers face a stretch of two road games this week, starting with No. 2 Virginia (18-1, 7-0 ACC) at 7 p.m. Tuesday (RSN) and then the quick trip to Georgia Tech (10-9, 3-3) on Sunday (6 p.m., ESPNU).

Movin' on up to No. 1??8??! Our highest ranking in the AP Poll since Jan. 18, 2010.#ClemsonGrit?? pic.twitter.com/X7gGhYfJMy
— Clemson Men's Basketball (@ClemsonMBB) January 22, 2018

AP Poll - Jan. 22

Rank Team Record Pts Prv

1. Villanova (63) 18-1 1623 1

2. Virginia (1) 18-1 1537 2

3. Purdue (1) 19-2 1499 3

4. Duke 17-2 1439 5

5. Kansas 16-3 1338 10

6. Michigan St. 17-3 1243 9

7. West Virginia 16-3 1217 6

8. Xavier 18-3 1180 11

9. Cincinnati 17-2 1087 12

10. North Carolina 16-4 1014 15

11. Arizona 16-4 974 14

12. Oklahoma 14-4 917 4

13. Ohio St. 17-4 787 22

14. Texas Tech 15-4 763 8

15. Gonzaga 17-4 610 13

16. Saint Mary's (Cal) 19-2 571 -

17. Wichita St. 15-4 547 7

18. Clemson 16-3 474 20

19. Auburn 17-2 470 17

20. Florida 14-5 366 -

21. Arizona St 15-4 353 16

22. Tennessee 13-5 260 21

23. Nevada 18-3 190 -

24. Rhode Island 15-3 189 -

25. Michigan 17-5 123 23

Others receiving votes: Miami 83, Louisville 81, TCU 45, Kentucky 38, Kansas St 35, Seton Hall 25, Creighton 20, Florida St. 14, Houston 5, New Mexico St. 4, Providence 2, Boise St. 2.