The tradition of Clemson basketball fans wearing chef hats made its way to the NCAA Tournament and so did the excellence of the player it represents.

Ian Schieffelin won the ACC’s Most Improved award and he’s become a double-double machine. He ‘s averaging 9.8 points and 9.6 rebounds on the season and it translated into March.

The Tigers defeated a favored New Mexico team handily Friday, and Schieffelin was in the center of it. He had his 10th double-double on the year with 16 points and 12 rebounds.

It’s the most points he’s scored since Feb. 22 against Georgia Tech and it came right on time against a Lobos team with a lot of momentum. For Schieffelin, it was a special moment and debut in the NCAA Tournament.

“Walking out there is surreal. Just playing my game and got some ones early and calmed down early. That was a good game,” Schieffelin said in the locker room.

Not bad for a first time in March and he was also a key part in Clemson’s defense that suffocated New Mexico. The Lobos shot 29.7 percent from the floor and couldn’t produce even with 17 offensive rebounds.

That’s not a number allowed that Schieffelin will be happy with, but limiting the second-chance scoring was impressive given the battle on the glass.

Heading into a matchup with Baylor, the Tigers have to ride this momentum and will likely need Schieffelin to deliver another strong outing. The Bears have the makings of a title contender and the glass will make a big impact on the result.

Schieffelin and Clemson take on Baylor Sunday in the Round of 32. Tipoff is planned for 6:10 p.m., televised on TNT.