Clemson Basketball has been here before. However, most of us do not remember it.

The last time Clemson advanced to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament came in 1980. Since then, 12 other Clemson squads have played in the NCAA Tournament.

Of those 12, only three other teams have made a run in the tournament. Unfortunately, all three runs ended with heartache in the Sweet 16.

Tate George’s miracle shot lifted UConn past the Tigers in 1990. In 1997, Minnesota outlasted the Tigers in double overtime and then in 2018, Kansas was just four points better.

So, when No. 6 Clemson faced No. 2 Arizona in Thursday night’s Sweet 16 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Tiger fans everywhere were having flashbacks to all the pain and heartache those other trips to the Sweet 16 brought on.

However, they soon found out Thursday night was going to be different. This time, it felt different. It felt like the Tigers had what it takes to get over the hump and move on to the Elite Eight.

Clemson (24-11) jumped out to a 13-point lead in the first half and even though the Wildcats made a run, the Tigers held on to its margin. Even when Arizona took its only lead of the night, 46-45, on a Caleb Love layup with 14:32 to play, the Tigers did not panic.

In fact, they responded with five straight points to recapture the lead and control of the game. The Wildcats eventually came back, again, this time tying the game at 56, but once again, Clemson answered the challenge.

PJ Hall scored on layup and then Ian Schieffelin banked in a three-pointer, and just like that the Tigers were up five, 61-56, with 8:56 to play.

Was this it? Was Clemson finally going to get over the hump and make it back to the Elite Eight for the first time since 1980.

It was.

Clemson head coach Brad Brownell, who has been maligned for much of the year, called a timeout with 1:09 to play and the Tigers clinging to a three-point lead, 70-67. With nine seconds on the shot clock, Brownell drew up a play that saw Hall come free off a pick for an easy dunk and a five-point lead.

On the Tigers’ next possession, following a three-pointer from Jaden Bradley to pull the Wildcats within two points, Clemson guard Chase Hunter slashed through the lane, drew contact and made the basket for the and-one with 25 seconds to play.

“When that went in, I definitely had some confidence that we were going to win the game,” Hunter said.

So did all of Clemson.

Finally, it happened. The Sweet 16 was no longer sour for the Clemson Tigers. After 43 years of close calls, heartaches and frustration, Clemson is returning to the Elite Eight.

“Just really happy for my players, my staff and really all of Clemson nation,” Brownell said.

Now, the only team standing in the way of Clemson’s first ever Final Four, is an old friend. One who has stood in the Tigers’ way before, just not in basketball.

Clemson will play Alabama in the Elite Eight Round (8:49 p.m., TBS) on Saturday.

Clemson won its first national championship in 35 years on the gridiron by beating Alabama. Clemson baseball’s last appearance in the College World Series, came thanks to a win over Alabama in the Super Regional.

Now, only Alabama stands in the way of Clemson’s first ever Final Four.

A limited number of signed footballs from Clemson’s 2022 class are still available.  Get yours while supplies last!  Visit Clemson Variety & Frame or purchase online!