In an ACC showdown, the No. 21 Clemson Tigers defeated the Boston College Eagles 89-78 in Littlejohn Coliseum on Saturday to end their three-game losing streak.

Despite missing several key contributors, the Eagles did not make it easy for the Tigers. Boston College got off to a quick start, as guard Claudell Harris Jr. scored five points early. However, Clemson center PJ Hall then took command of the offense and helped lead the Tigers to the victory, finishing with a team-high 26 points and 11 rebounds.

With Hall, Ian Schieffelin and RJ Godfry owning the play down low, the perimeter game was blown open for Joseph Girard III and the Hunter brothers, Chase and Dillon, to knock down shots from behind the arc. Clemson’s ability to attack from different areas ultimately lead to its offensive success.

“I thought our guys did a very good job of having a mix but primarily playing through the post,” head coach Brad Brownell said.

The Tigers led 44-35 at halftime, thanks to a 12-point, six-rebound first half from Hall. The second half started out with more of the same from the Clemson offense, particularly in their play down low, as Hall, Schieffelin and Godfry were too much for the Eagles.

Despite the Eagles’ best efforts, there was no way to slow down the Tigers as their offense continued to dominate any adjustments thrown at them. Following a timeout with just over 12 minutes left in the game, Chase Hunter took advantage of a mismatch and exploded to the basket, finishing through the contact from a bigger defender to draw a foul for an and-one basket. Hall kept the momentum going on the ensuing possessions, barrelling through the lane and then draining a hook shot from just outside the low post. With nine minutes left in the game, Clemson held a comfortable 70-53 lead.

Girard closed the door in his play down the stretch, driving through the lane for a layup and knocking down shots from three-point range. With 4:03 left, he took the ball up the court and drained a deep three from the right wing in the face of an Eagle defender, ensuring a Clemson victory. Girard finished with 26 points on 8-for-16 shooting from the floor.

Hall spoke about the losing streak that the team was facing prior to the game.

“Not fun at all. Not near as fun as the beginning of the season,” he said. “Even during that time, you know how good that team is whenever you’re a part of it.”

The Tigers will be back at home on Tuesday, Jan. 16, at 9 p.m. in another conference matchup versus Georgia Tech.