Clemson suffers latest close loss on last-second 3-pointer

Seth Allen’s 3-pointer with 3.8 seconds left to play carried Virginia Tech to a 71-70 victory over Clemson on Tuesday night.

Zach LeDay scored 19 points for the Hokies (19-8, 8-7 Atlantic Coast Conference), who also beat the Tigers by a point on Jan. 22. Virginia Tech won for the third time in four games and moved to 14-1 at home this season.

The loss was the latest in series of excruciating defeats for the Tigers (14-13, 4-11), who dropped their fifth game in their past six outings. Clemson is now 3-10 in games decided by six points or less.

Clemson’s Marcquise Reed hit a baseline jumper with 21.6 seconds remaining to give the Tigers a 70-68 lead. Out of a timeout, Allen missed a layup with 10 seconds left, and LeDay got the rebound, but the ball was knocked out of his hands and went out of bounds off Clemson.

Virginia Tech then worked the ball to Allen, who buried a 3-pointer from the top of the key. Allen finished with eight points.

Reed led the Tigers with 18 points.

The Tigers have been known for their defense under coach Brad Brownell, but have struggled in ACC play this season. Clemson fell to 1-7 in ACC games in which it has allowed the opponent to shoot 49 percent. The Tigers have a shot at postseason play, but their chances are dwindling.

The Tigers close the regular season with three consecutive home games, starting Saturday when they take on No. 19 Florida State.

The Hokies are in great position to make the NCAA Tournament for the first time in a decade. They don’t have a bad loss and play two of their final three regular-season games against teams behind them in the ACC standings, including Saturday’s game at Boston College.

This story was originally published February 22, 2017 at 1:17 AM with the headline "Clemson suffers latest close loss on last-second 3-pointer."