“Really proud of my team”: Clemson coach Brad Brownell reveals Tigers hooper struggled with stomach bug after defeating Virginia Tech

Brad Brownell and the Clemson Tigers overcame some challenges to secure a 72-57 win over Virginia Tech on Saturday, but fans didn’t realize just how tough the Tigers’ performance was until after the game.

"Really proud of my team. We’ve been battling some stomach bug stuff all week and have just found ways to be resilient,” Brownell said after the game. "I thought we played very hard today, played well in spurts, didn’t turn the ball over much, and just did enough good things to win the game.

"We knew that Virginia Tech — just have so much respect for (Hokies coach) Mike (Young) — that those guys would come out after halftime and make a run and give us a big punch, and they did."

Clemson started strong, building a 41-29 halftime lead. However, Virginia Tech fought back, cutting the lead to just six points with 12:02 remaining in the second half. Sensing the momentum shift, Clemson called a timeout to regroup.

The Tigers were already without leading scorer Chase Hunter, who was dealing with flu-like symptoms. But with the Hokies closing in, Hunter checked into the game despite not being 100%. While he only scored two points on 1-of-4 shooting, his presence helped Clemson stabilize and regain control, eventually pulling away for a 15-point victory.

Brad Brownell praises Chase Hunter for stepping up to help secure win

After the game, Brad Brownell praised Hunter for stepping up when the team needed him most.

"Obviously, I’m super proud of Chase Hunter for going in the last 10 minutes and really helping us ice the game," Brownell said. "We talked about it before the game, and he came to us and said, ‘Coach, if you need me, if we get foul trouble or anything, I can help.’

"We actually did the same thing with Viktor (Lakhin) in a game earlier this year when he wasn’t feeling very well. Obviously, we needed (Hunter) and came away with a good road win."

While Hunter’s leadership stood out, Clemson had other key contributors. Junior forward Chauncey Wiggins stepped up in Hunter’s absence, leading the team with 16 points while shooting 4-of-6 from 3-point range. It was only the third time this season Wiggins has scored 16 or more points in a game.

Freshman guard Del Jones also had a standout performance, recording a career-high 13 points, along with five rebounds and two assists.

The win extended Clemson’s streak to five games, keeping the Tigers (17-4, 9-1 ACC) in second place in the ACC, just behind second-ranked Duke (17-2, 9-0). Brad Brownell and the Tigers will aim to maintain their momentum when they face NC State (9-10, 2-6) on Saturday.