The outlook after No. 21 Clemson basketball’s loss to No. 8 North Carolina was very different from the previous shortcomings during the week. Head coach Brad Brownell emphasized that the Tigers weren’t tough enough in Miami, but looked from a different lens Saturday.

It all starts with the opponent. The Tar Heels may be the class of the ACC and Clemson went back and forth until the waning moments. Against the Hurricanes, surrendering 60 points in the second half was something Brownell said this program doesn’t do. This loss was different, and he made it clear postgame that it’s something he can live with.

“Proud of (the team’s) effort but it’s about finishing the job, getting the win. We didn’t get it done. I know you’re disappointed. I’m disappointed but I reminded them that I was more disappointed in them at Miami. That wasn’t how we play, that wasn’t how we do things in the second half. Today, I can live with. I can live with missed shots but we’ve got to try and get it fixed,” Brownell said.

Shooting 1-18 from three is the lowest mark in the 2023-24 season by a longshot and it’s fair to say that shouldn’t repeat itself. While the defense stepped up in the big moments, the Tigers just couldn’t make a shot when given multiple opportunities.

Stars PJ Hall and Joseph Girard III shot a combined 5-23 and that won’t win in the ACC. It was impressive on its own to be so competitive given their shortcomings.

Brownell went on to talk about another piece in this: the schedule Clemson receives. Following these two tough games to start conference play, a road trip to Virginia Tech awaits Wednesday so there’s no cupcakes in waiting.

“We didn’t get a lot of favors with our schedule and it seems to happen a lot I feel like at Clemson. The beginning of the schedule, Miami preseason top five, Carolina obviously. Pitt’s top half pick and now we go to Virginia Tech, probably one of the hardest places to play in the league. First four games are home games against top one or two teams then our road games are tough venues against really good teams. It’s a challenge, man,” Brownell said.

That gauntlet continues against the Hokies at Cassell Coliseum Wednesday night. Tipoff is at 7 p.m., televised on ESPN2.