CLEMSON – The offensive nightmares at home finally ended and the Clemson Tigers rallied against a rising Virginia squad, but it wasn’t enough in a 66-65 gutting loss Littlejohn Coliseum Saturday afternoon.

Breaking that habit wasn’t enough as the defense didn’t match as the Cavaliers shot 44 percent from the field, a number that makes it extremely difficult to take down a Tony Bennett team. Clemson’s team fought to make it a one-point game in the final seconds, but it wasn’t enough. Here’s the 411 on the loss that pushes Brad Brownell’s team to 4-6 in the ACC and closer to the bubble.

-Turnovers weren’t a massive issue for Clemson in the first half with just four but it came in live-ball moments that resulted in nine points off turnovers for Virginia. That gave its struggling offense life and put the Tigers in a hole.

-The Cavaliers went on a 9-0 run in the first half as Clemson went nearly four minutes scoreless. A three-pointer from Josh Beadle at the shot clock buzzer ended the streak and sparked an 8-0 run in the Tigers’ favor. Without that spark, Clemson may never have been competitive.

-Joseph Girard III was the key coming in and he delivered with 14 points on 5-8 shooting. The problem was the matchup with Reece Beekman that limited his volume, or it could’ve been a monster day. He was firing from far behind the arc and hitting.

-It was a two-man show for Virginia. Beekman was the engine and facilitator with 14 points, four assists and three steals. Jake Groves nearly matched his season high with 17 points on 7-9 shooting. That’s crucial in the Cavaliers’ methodical offense, and it put extra pressure on the Tigers to find a rhythm.

-Clemson needed the most out of its stars but PJ Hall struggled in the first half. He was 1-6 with a turnover, and had two good looks from behind the arc. The game opened up for him in the second half with open lanes and a plethora of opportunities at the free throw line. Hall finally took the lid off from behind the arc, and it was the three that took a 57-56 lead, the first since 8-5. He went on to finish with a game-high 19 points, but shot 4-16 from the field.

TURNING POINT

Clemson was down just a point with just over two minutes to play when Isaac McKneely drilled a three as he was fouled by the Tigers’ Chase Hunter. It was a cold-blooded shot that proved to be the difference as the Cavaliers held its lead close and escaped Littlejohn to extend the win-streak to six.

Jack Clark had an open look to win it, but it was a chaotic possession following a missed free throw. Clemson had to scramble up the floor with seven seconds left and Clark ended up uncovered, but couldn’t knock it down.

TELLING STAT: 35

That’s the percentage Clemson shot from behind the arc. It might not be perfect, but it’s the best clip we’ve seen in the new year at home and it was almost the difference. Led by Girard’s efficiency, the Tigers forced Virginia to battle offensively. This appeared to be the the formula for a win, but the Cavaliers refused to leave without a victory. All that will be remembered is the last miss from behind the arc but still, it’s a good sign to see Clemson find its rhythm at home.