The 8-9 matchups in the NCAA Tournament are often defined by close margins and conflicting narratives. Friday’s matchup between Clemson and Iowa in Tampa is no exception. Both programs limped into the tournament.
No. 8 seed Clemson (24-10) and No. 9 seed Iowa (21-12) will collide at Benchmark International Arena tomorrow. Both teams are coming into this game with their own brand of baggage, having each lost seven of their last 10 games. The history between the two teams brings even more weight to the occasion, as the Tigers last tasted the promise of March after reaching the Elite Eight two seasons ago.