MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Chase Hunter’s two-point performance in the ACC Tournament last week was one of the worst games of his career.

Some wondered how the Clemson senior was going to respond when the Tigers met New Mexico Friday in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in Memphis, Tenn.

He responded with a game-high 21 points and six assists in No. 6 Clemson’s 77-56 victory over New Mexico at the FedEx Forum in the West Regional. Hunter finished the day 8-for-16 from the field. And though he made just one of his four three-point attempts, the one he made put a dagger in the Lobos’ comeback attempt.

“This just shows my work ethic and the belief I have in myself,” Hunter said. “I am a confident player and felt like I let my team down in the ACC Tournament. Coming into this game, I just wanted to make sure I was poised and confident and making plays for my teammates. I think that is what I did.”

Hunter made plays when the Tigers (22-11) needed him the most.

The Lobos (26-10) had cut what was once a 21-point lead to 14 points with 12:06 to play. But Hunter answered with eight straight points, getting a and-one, a layup and then a corner three from the left side.

When his three-pointer went in with 9:45 to play in the game, it all but finished New Mexico off, while giving Clemson a 62-40 lead.

“Chase has been great for us all year,” teammate Joe Girard said. “It may not show up in the box score, but he does a lot of little things as a leader and as a point guard. He has been here for a lot of years and obviously it showed up more in the box score today, but he has always been great.”

Hunter also had two steals, three rebounds and only one turnover on Friday. The senior’s performance was nothing like the 0-for-10 day he had in the ACC Tournament.

“He wanted to play very well, and he was heartbroken, disappointed. Obviously, he just told you, he felt like he let a lot of people down,” Clemson head coach Brad Brownell said. “That’s why I’m so proud of our guys. We have great kids.

“He said he let the university down. How many kids say that? Right? How many kids are thinking about other people like that? He is a high character kid. I’m happy for him. And not surprised at all that he bounced back and played the way he did.”

The Tigers hope Hunter’s great play continues on Sunday when they play No. 3 seed Baylor. The winner will advance to the Sweet 16.

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