Clemson basketball, seeded sixth, defied expectations by clinching victories against both No. 11 seed New Mexico and No. 3 seed Baylor:

Initially anticipated to succumb to New Mexico, the Tigers decisively won by a 21-point margin, dashing the Lobos' Cinderella aspirations. Subsequently, they stunned Baylor with a 72-64 upset.

Their next challenge awaits against the formidable No. 2-seeded Arizona in Los Angeles on Thursday:

FanDuel Sportsbook places Arizona as 7.5-point favorites. Clemson boasts commendable rankings, standing 23rd overall in KenPom rating, with the 24th rank in offensive efficiency and 38th in defensive efficiency. Notably, in their victory over Baylor, they restricted their opponents to a mere 25 points in the first half.

Guiding this remarkable run is Coach Brad Brownell, now in his 14th season at the helm of Clemson's basketball program. Under his leadership, the team is making its fourth appearance in the NCAA Tournament.

Reflecting on the team's journey, Coach Brownell expressed pride in his players' resilience and determination. Despite encountering challenges throughout the season, the team remained steadfast in their pursuit of success. Their hard work and unwavering confidence culminated in their impressive showing in the tournament, vindicating their belief in themselves and their abilities.

Clemson's victories against New Mexico and Baylor weren't merely strokes of luck:

They showcased a team firing on all cylinders, executing Coach Brownell's strategies with precision and determination. The Tigers' defensive prowess, highlighted by their ability to stifle potent offenses like Baylor's, speaks volumes about their preparation and commitment on the court.

In their matchup against New Mexico, Clemson's defense held strong, limiting the Lobos to a modest 56 points, effectively shutting down their momentum following a triumph in the Mountain West Conference Tournament. This defensive resilience, coupled with their offensive firepower, makes Clemson a formidable opponent for any team in the tournament.

Looking ahead to their showdown with Arizona, Clemson faces yet another formidable challenge:

However, as they've demonstrated time and again, they're not a team to be underestimated. Armed with talent, determination, and the guidance of Coach Brownell, the Tigers are poised to continue their march through the tournament, ready to defy expectations and carve out their place among college basketball's elite.