The "OKC Dynasty" Edition

Is Oklahoma City on track to become the next dynasty in the NBA after putting together one of the most talented and youngest rosters in the NBA?

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:01):
Each time or Clipson Sports Talk with Lawton Swan.

Speaker 2 (00:07):
Swanny. Finally, Clemson Sports Talk has come back. Two drive

(00:51):
time Hill Everybody, Lowton Swan back in the saddle once again.
It is d show that shakes the south Land. Clemson
Sports Talk for you each and every afternoon as you
make your way around the great state of South Carolina
and beyond listening to us on incredible radio stations like
Fox Sports Radio fourteen hundred the Midland turned around the
world on the iHeartRadio application downloaded today, It's free. The website.

(01:16):
Put the dot com on it, dog on it. That's
Clemson Sports tall dot com ETO three four five oh
zero zero eighty six. That's a text line in the
phone line. And don't forget the show. The chakespa Southland
and brought to you in part by our good friends
over at METS Plumbing' seven three two drip drip, drip drip.

(01:36):
You know the jingle seven three to two drip. That's
Mets Plumbing, mets Plumbing dot com. That's the website. Wo wee,
Oh what did I right? Holy moly, what a night
for the Clemson baseball team seven six victory over NC

(02:01):
State at the ACC tournament. They'll advance to tomorrow's matchup
against the top seeded Georgia Tech Yellowjackets for right to
battle in the ACC Championship game. If they were to win,
Clemson will play in the championship on Sunday. They get
the day off today by virtue of that seven to

(02:22):
six win over in c State and the way that
schedule laid out for him. More on that game in
a minute. What a matchup that game turned out to be.
And then remember we talked about this yesterday. I was like,
you know, maybe if the baseball team's winning pretty big,
I think like, if you're a Tiger fan, your hopes
were Clemson baseball winning big. And then at nine o'clock

(02:44):
you tune in and watch softball. And so I tried
to do the dual screens of doom. I went with
the ESPN app. I pulled up baseball and softball. Clypson
softball got a hit in the first inning, and then
there was a lightning delay, and that lightning delay pretty
much took you all the way until the end of

(03:05):
the baseball game, and the baseball game ends a epic battle,
and then you tuned over and if you were willing
to stay up till about one thirty last night you
got to witness history as the Clemson softball team went
into Austin, Texas and came away with the program's first

(03:29):
Super Regional victory. The Tigers now lead that series one
to zero after a seven to four to win early
this morning. Game two tonight at nine o'clock, so they're
back in action again at nine o'clock. That game will

(03:49):
be on ESPN two and Clemson because this Game two
will be designated as the home team, now one victory
away from their first to ever women's College World Series.
Are your clymps of Tigers? And when you I think,
really think about this season and the way it's gone, Man,

(04:10):
what a story it's been for the Clemson softball team.
But that Texas team really makes me nervous looking at them.
I know they had some issues at shortstop last night,
but that lineup looks like a really good one and
it's gonna take everything I think this Clemson softball program
has to get out of Austin with a second win.

(04:35):
But boy, they are a lot of fun to watch now.
The biggest difference for this game, in my opinion or
in this game for my in my opinion is Texas's
back is clearly against the wall. Texas is gonna They're
gonna be nervous and pressing, and that can be a
bad thing, you know, that can be a really bad thing.
But the Clemson Tigers continue their historic run, winning game

(04:59):
one of the US to three in the Super Regional
out in Texas seven to four. Unreal, but the game
started at nine pm after four pitches went into a
ninety minute weather delay. Leadoff hitter Alex Brown led the
Tigers with three hits. Maddie Moore added two hits in
an RBI as each of those players scored two runs.

(05:22):
Julia Noler, Clempson first baseman, picked up a critical to
out doubling the sixth inning to give the Tigers a
little cushion. And then when Rees Basinger got in a
little trouble, it was Brooke McCubbin who came in to
do the dirty work for the final three innings at
Clemson got a big bang, bang play at the plate,
Texas trying to be a little bit aggressive. Clemson with

(05:45):
a great throw from the outfield and a huge double
play that really got mcubbin out of a jam. Well
wasn't her jam, right, I mean she was. She was
just going in for basing d'er into that jam. But
that got them out of it, and mccobbn picked up
her fifth save of the season that ties a Clemson

(06:05):
single season saves record, and the Tigers win it seven
to four over the Texas Longhorns. So congratulations to John
Ripman and that very young Clemson baseball program, not just
in the sense of the young players who are involved
in it, but the fact that it's just its sixth

(06:28):
season and really its fifth full season of college softball.
And here they are knocking on the door of the
Women's College World Series, which would be quite the feat.
Speaking of college softball, the South Carolina game Cocks also
playing in the Super Regionals, and of course, you know,
if you're a fan of this program, we got game

(06:48):
Cocks that listened to us every day, so you.

Speaker 3 (06:49):
Could continue to peek over the fence at the best radio.

Speaker 2 (06:52):
Showing the naked some of them like our show.

Speaker 4 (06:55):
I'm a Carolina fan.

Speaker 3 (06:56):
I would listen to your show, and I want to
compliment you on your even handedness between Clemson and Carolina.

Speaker 2 (07:02):
Ohthers do not.

Speaker 3 (07:04):
I listened to sports talk radio all over the nation.
But the way you come across makes me sick. You're
gonna find yourself not on.

Speaker 2 (07:12):
The radio, and we're just trugging along here twelve years
after that comment. But all that being said, all that
being said, and by the way, we do love our
game called listeners. Even that guy that does not love
us back. Maybe by now, maybe after a you know,
a dozen years, maybe that guy's finally come over to
the good side, to the good side of the show.

(07:35):
But anyway, Clemson softball last night just solid a lot
of fun that sport is to watch. There's a lot
of frustration in it too. As a matter of fact,
I got on Google I was so intrigued. I got
on Google Maps because, like, I watched softball, but I

(07:58):
don't watch it with as keenan I perhaps as I
watched it with last night, because of the magnitude of
that ball game. And I was talking to my sister earlier,
she was traveling to the Upstate, and I told her,
I said, you know what blows my mind is how
small the field is. Like routinely there are hits that

(08:23):
take place, you know, in softball that I think, you know,
go okay, that's gonna be a double, not a double right,
Like time and time again, players have the ability in

(08:44):
that sport to hold runners at first base because of
how shallow things are down the line. I mean, it's
it's kind of weird how difficult it is. In my opinion,
it's kind of weird how difficult it is to really
get a double. Even though the bases are much smaller

(09:07):
than or the base path is smaller than baseball. The
short throws to second base from the outfield really do
make it a very compact field. But you know, you
load up the bases, you get things churning, and you
put runs across the board. And that's what Clemson did yesterday,

(09:31):
and so tonight could be another historic moment. I can't wait.
Nine o'clock can't get here soon enough. Clemson with a
chance to advance to the Women's College World Series. So
we'll see if they can get it done. John Ripman,
we'll hear from him. As I mentioned in just a

(09:53):
little bit, We've also got audio following Clemson's baseball victory
last night at the AC Tournament over n C State.
What a game that was, I mean for fans, you know,
I talked earlier in the week about like the environment
at the ACC Tournament, and you know, you're looking at
some of those early games like Stanford and Virginia Tech,

(10:13):
and again I get it, like Stanford and Cal they
come all the way across the country and it's tough
for their fans to get there. But even still, I mean,
it didn't really matter what game you tuned in to watch.
It was it just sparsely attended. Sparsely attended would be
the right way to put it. And then you watch

(10:35):
what was Game ten of the ACC Tournament with n
C State and Clemson basing golf in a five to
four matchup for the right to go to the semi
finals on Saturday against number one seed Georgia Tech. Georgia Tech,
of course, beat Cal yesterday ten to three. Georgia Tech
scored every run off a home run, including an inside

(10:56):
the parker. Mind you, you don't see that every day, but
the Yellow Jackets defeat the Cal Bears and Clemson now
with their seven to six victory in front of just
a packed house. I mean, it was an electric atmosphere.
And you'll hear in a little bit when we play
some of the audio from Eric Becketts. That's one of
the things he talks about is how it was sort

(11:17):
of and he was more directed in this way with
that game. And I would expect the same thing tomorrow
at one o'clock with that semi final matchup against Georgia Tech.
Is that it presents sort of the vibe and the
feeling of a super regional and that was a great,

(11:37):
great environment last night for college baseball game. And it
was and the other thing too, right like it was
back and forth. I mean, Clemson takes the lead in
the top of the second with a sacrifice fly from
Jacob Jerrell where Dominic Listi scores. Clemson goes up one
to zero. Then in the bottom of the fourth, n

(12:01):
C State strikes twice. They have a single to center
field which scored McHugh and then they take the lead
on a wild pitch, so it's two to one. Inc State.
Clemson bounces back Andrew Chufo bunts a little squeeze play
in the top of the fifth to tie the game

(12:24):
at three apiece. Then Clemson takes the lead on another
squeeze play would purify and cam Canerella advanced to second
on that play and Chuofo ends up scoring that gives
Clemson a three to two advantage. NC State comes back
at the bottom of the fifth and ties things up

(12:45):
at three. Clemson answers in the top of the six
with the Jacob Jarrold home run to take a four
to three advantage. NC State bounces back in the bottom
of the sixth inning with a couple of runs to
take a five to four lead. Then Clemson in the

(13:05):
top of the eighth with a big three run inning,
as great minds on social media tweeted out call TP
Wentworth eight seven seven runs. Now when TP Wentworth had
a big single in the eighth inning that advanced Jack
crighton the third and allowed Jacob Jerald to score, that

(13:27):
would end up tying the game. And then Clemson would
take the lead as Andrew Chuffo would single up the
left side and Wentworth advanced the second while Jack Crichton
headed home to give Clemson a seven to five advantage,
and then the wolf Pack in the bottom of the
eighth would get one across seven to six. Your final score, man,

(13:48):
it was a great ballgame, just a lot of guys
on base Clemson with sixteen hits in the game. I
hate to be the guy that had to keep the
book on that when it was just a lot of
actual Maybe not. Maybe that guy was maybe that I
was feeling good about things. I was probably pretty excited
about the day he had, because I would imagine maybe
the one to o games are kind of boring, But man,

(14:08):
a lot of work done in the books on that one.
As Clemson and NC State deliver a monumental performance at
the ACC Tournament yesterday and again ACC Tournament action today underway,
there are a couple of games Florida State the two
seed and Duke. That matchup got underway at three pm,

(14:32):
and then the nightcap tonight at seven o'clock. It'll be
third seeded North Carolina and a surprising fourteenth seed Boston College.
Who's still alive. Can a double digit seed advance to
the semi finals? Find out tonight when the tar Heels

(14:52):
hit the diamond for the first time at the ACC Tournament.
Boston College has their sea legs underneath them, so to speak,
with a couple of games ready under their belt. That
was not advantageous for Cal yesterday again against Georgia Tech
and that ten to three loss, But you know, there
were moments where you know, I think you're watching these
baseball games. As as a matter of fact, one of the

(15:14):
things that Jack by By I said, Jack Leggott. They
did talk a lot about Jack Leggott yesterday, but that
was one of the things that Eric Backache was asked about,
Like would Clemson have preferred to go ahead and play
that semi final game against Georgia Tech today instead both
teams get a day off, and obviously for the Yellow Jackets,

(15:36):
I would say it's a little bit more strange than
maybe Clemson because the Tigers have played back to back.
Of course, they beat Virginia Tech six to one on
Wednesday and then beat n C State seven to six
on Thursday. For Clemson two games in a break, you know,
that might feel a little bit more like when they play,
say a Tuesday Wednesday set, get Thursday off, and then

(16:00):
go into a Friday, Saturday Sunday series Georgia Tech. I
would imagine this year it's not all that often that
they played a game, had a day off, and then
played another game, right Like, normally you might play a
game and have a couple of days off and then

(16:22):
play the weekend series. But it's pretty rare that you
run into game on game off game on and we'll
see that game again tomorrow at one o'clock. Now, as
for today's game, as I mentioned, Florida State, the two
seed took an early to nothing lead in the bottom
half of the first inning against the Duke Blue Devils.

(16:45):
So where I am, that game was to nothing, and
when I am that game was to nothing. Seminals. Seminals
are the number two team in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
But again, when you look at the ACC standings, if
this was something that I was talking about with a
buddy earlier today, like Georgia Tech's the top seed, they

(17:07):
were nineteen and eleven in conference play. Clemson was the
five seed, they were eighteen and twelve. Like one game,
one game difference there. If Clemson wins at Georgia Tech
in game two this season, Clempson won that series two
games to one, but they got hammered in game two.

(17:27):
But if Clemson wins that game two, the Tigers are
nineteen and eleven and they're the top team in the
ACC and Georgia Tech at that point would have been
eighteen and twelve in the fifth seed. So I mean,
that's how tight one in five are in the conference.
Florida State. The two seed is seventeen to ten. North

(17:47):
Carolina was eighteen and eleven and n C State was
seventeen and eleven. As a matter of fact, I believe
I'd have to double check this, but I believe n
C State was the team that was scheduled to play
at Florida State the weekend that the Seminoles had that
tragic shooting on their campus and the activities on campus

(18:10):
were rightfully shut down. And you know, those two teams
are in a situation where who knows if they play
that series, that would have potentially flip flopped their places
in the standings depending on who won, or it may
have allowed the Seminoles to secure the top spot. I'm
not one hundred percent sure that that was the series,

(18:34):
but I think so, especially based off of those two
teams' records by comparison to everybody else. Let me see, no,
it looks like that was Virginia. Virginia only played twenty
seven games, Florida State played twenty seven. I don't know
why NC State would only play twenty eight anyway, it
must have been some kind of weather or something. But nonetheless, man,
the ACC Tournament last night was awesome. We'll see if

(18:54):
today's games can deliver. All right, So we got a
break coming up. When we come back. Speaking of the
ACC Tournament, we will hear from Clemson head coach Eric
backetch We'll give you this in hour number one. We'll
also reset this for you for those of you listening
to the program in our number two. Just back at
just comments postgame after Clemson's incredible seven to six victory

(19:20):
last night up in Durham. That venue again, Look, I
don't know if it was the fact that like Florida
State and Duke like right now. I mean, it's pretty
well attended, but it's in the middle of the day
on a workday on a Friday. But I can tell
you that night cap last night with Clemson and NC

(19:42):
State felt legit, that was a fun ballgame to watch.
All Right, we'll hit a quick break. We'll come back.
We'll head up to the postgame comments from Eric Backetge
following Clemson's victory over the wolf Pack. Right after this,
rocking and rolling along with you on a Friday afternoon,
the show the Shakespeare South Landing gain in an exciting

(20:04):
day on the diamond for both the Clemson Tiger baseball
team and softball team last night. Technically again, the girls
didn't wrap up until one thirty am Eastern Time because
of a little weather delay, but coach Eric Backache and
the Clypson Tigers with a huge victory seven to six

(20:24):
obreenc State. Here's Coach Backach and his postgame comments.

Speaker 5 (20:31):
Yeah, awesome college baseball game. Exciting.

Speaker 6 (20:34):
That was one of the most fun games I think
I've ever been a part of.

Speaker 5 (20:38):
So I know that the players had to loved it
just as much. But saw a little bit of everything.

Speaker 6 (20:44):
We scored in a multitude of ways at a suicide squeeze,
a safety squeeze, a slash JJ three.

Speaker 5 (20:53):
RBIs all by himself, and the sacfly, a solo homer
and another RBI single.

Speaker 6 (20:57):
But you know, just the content abuss, the two strike hitting,
you know, the relief pitching by Lucas Smallstad, you know,
all of it mixed in just made for just one
heck of a college game against you know, an opponent
that you know he's given us just a lot of
trouble this year, and maybe an opponent that had some
of the best power relief pitching in all of college baseball.

Speaker 5 (21:21):
They just nance and Dudan and they just you know,
they just.

Speaker 6 (21:26):
Have electric, electric stuff to go with a premier group
of starting pitchers as well.

Speaker 5 (21:32):
So that's obviously.

Speaker 6 (21:33):
Any league club in NC State and wouldn't be surprised
to see them make a postseason run.

Speaker 5 (21:39):
But heck of a win tonight.

Speaker 6 (21:41):
We needed every run we had and every you know, everything,
and just an incredible effort.

Speaker 5 (21:46):
Proud of our guys.

Speaker 2 (21:47):
Eric Becatch was asked about his comments after the series
lost to Duke. Did you felt like this team had
the fight at him to bounce back? And what this
victory over an NC State, an NC State team that
swept them in the regular season may be meant.

Speaker 5 (22:00):
That's a good word, you know that the result of
this group being sometimes you need adversity to figure out
who we are and and your identity is formed and
shaped as the season goes on.

Speaker 6 (22:12):
And you know, we you know, we had little bits
of adversity and in some games, but never really a
stretch like that where for three weeks we you know,
it was it was tough, and but our guys fought
through it, to use your word, fight and got back
up stronger and playing better baseball than ever before. And

(22:34):
it doesn't have to be perfect, but it certainly feels right,
looks right, and this looks like an even more confident bunch.
Just an unbelievable group of kids that great leadership and
great character players that just there's just no quit and
and we saw that tonight many times with the back
and forth trading bunches type of game. But I'm very

(22:55):
proud of how they, you know, fought through the three
weeks of losing three series in a row and.

Speaker 5 (23:01):
To get back up and the best we've been all
season right now.

Speaker 2 (23:05):
Clemson catcher Jacob Jerrold was asked about his home run
in the sixth inning that gave Clemson a four to
three advantage.

Speaker 5 (23:12):
Well, I just saw the pitch and swam.

Speaker 7 (23:15):
But just going on the sky report, I mean he was,
you know, pretty basketball heavy, and uh, you know, I
watched guys in front of me like Don Lassie and
Josh Panos, So having them in front of me, like
especially Josh, you know, a lot of teams pitched Josh
and Saban, you know, they pitched me, so I can
watch a lot of.

Speaker 2 (23:32):
Stuff from him, and yeah, Harry Backage was asked about
reliever Lucas Mawstead he ended up getting in the win.
He pitched four innings, gave up four hits, had four strikeouts,
but got out of a couple of jams. And here's
what Aery Backach had to say about this pitcher.

Speaker 5 (23:49):
Yeah, well he's pretty filthy.

Speaker 7 (23:51):
He throws some cute different slots and it really messes
with the hitter's eyes and.

Speaker 5 (23:55):
It's it's fun catching him and then also having the
defense behind him too and make plays.

Speaker 7 (23:59):
And then made four double plays to night, and it's
pretty fun seeing that break.

Speaker 5 (24:03):
On the dish.

Speaker 2 (24:05):
Eric Backage was also asked about the squeeze place that
Clips had had in the top of the fifth inning.
Just an aggressive play, I tweeted, I love seeing baseball
played that way. I'm not the huge fan of small ball,
but I am fan of being aggressive. And Clemson was
early going in the early goings, and Backache was asked
about that.

Speaker 6 (24:22):
Yeah, it takes a mental toughness to be able to,
you know, be able to center yourself and execute at
a high level against the lead pitching and a big
time environment, and to be able to get those plays,
to get those bunts down or to excuse slash and

(24:42):
so especially given the stuff that we're facing it, it
makes it double tough.

Speaker 5 (24:47):
Yeah, I mean it's it's these guys trained.

Speaker 6 (24:49):
They've trained our year practicing those plays, and so they've
had a lot of reps doing it. It's one thing
to do it in a control of the environment. It's
another thing to do it environment like this, And so
it just speaks a lot too, you know, the toughness,
the will, the determination that just do something good for
the team.

Speaker 2 (25:09):
Eric Beckets was also asked about Clemson's pitching plans. Obviously,
the Tigers don't have to play today, which is nice
they get the day off. But here's what Eric Beckets
had to say about what they might do.

Speaker 5 (25:22):
We like DJ in relief.

Speaker 6 (25:24):
I mean, he'll be back, you know, he's uh, you
did have a lot of success against Georgia Tech.

Speaker 5 (25:31):
Luckily we don't play tomorrow, so that'll be nice to
get a good day arrest. But you know, we could
go BJ, we could go Talon Bell. You know, we
could use an opener that's a right hander. I mean, well, we'll.

Speaker 8 (25:43):
See, but.

Speaker 6 (25:45):
Georgia Tech is going to be just a suffering of
an opponent, and you know, they won the league for
a reason.

Speaker 5 (25:53):
But I think we'll figure it all out tomorrow.

Speaker 2 (25:56):
He is the staff back Agee's asked with the momentum
that the Tigers are playing with, if he'd prefer just
to play tomorrow instead, or which would be today instead
of a day off.

Speaker 6 (26:05):
I think everyone would be would benefit from a day
off and get a lift in and get the feet
underneath them.

Speaker 5 (26:10):
And well, we played morrow the next day.

Speaker 6 (26:12):
It really doesn't matter. It's it's kind of all the same.
I think these guys were just excited to just stay
here a little bit longer.

Speaker 2 (26:21):
Eric Beckageles ask if he thought that hard fault seven
sixth victory was reminiscent or indigative of hard bought games
that you'll see in June.

Speaker 8 (26:29):
Yeah.

Speaker 5 (26:29):
Absolutely. I mean NC State's and Omaha team last year.

Speaker 6 (26:32):
We're a super regional team last year, and it kind
of felt like tonight was like a super regional or
an Omaha type game, just two evenly matched clubs, just
trading blows, going back and forth, a bunch.

Speaker 5 (26:46):
Of lead changes. Like JJ mentioned, we had to turn.

Speaker 6 (26:49):
Four double plays, got fortunate with some of those, but
the defense really picked us up in those. And but
each you could just tell each team the margin in
these games is raised. Then it's one swing, it's one play,
it's one pitch because this is yeah, this feels.

Speaker 5 (27:06):
Like a deep in June type of ball game. I mean,
that was just you know, in at least.

Speaker 6 (27:11):
In my memory, that was just one of the most thrilling,
exciting games to be a part of. Whether you're a coach,
a player, or a fan or someone watching when it's
just a spectator with no dog in the fight, that
was a fun.

Speaker 5 (27:23):
Game to watch.

Speaker 2 (27:24):
So there you go. Some time with aeron backitch at
the ACC Tournament. Following Clemson seven to six victory over
n C State last night, quick Break, Keep it locked,
Lawton Swan with you on a Friday. Don't forget about
our friends. Check them out downtown Clemson on the corner
of campus on College Avenue. Alumni Hall. Oh your officially
licensed Clemson merchandise, hats, T shirts, tailgate gear, stickers for

(27:48):
your vehicle. Check out their incredible hat wall. Don't forget
to ask them about their Alumni Hall Pass rewards program.
Save yourself a little money while you're shopping in store,
and don't forget you can shop online as well at
Alumni Haull dot com. Check them out today it's Alumni
Hall where Tiger fans shop. All right. Last night NBA

(28:12):
Action Game two, Oklahoma City and Minnesota going the way
of the Oklahoma City Thunder again. They are led by
the reigning MVP Shay Gilgess Alexander He hung thirty eight
points on the Tea Wolves in Game two. They take

(28:32):
a two to zero series lead to Minnesota. Now, I
think the question really becomes for Minnesota kind of given
the youthfulness of this Oklahoma City team, and maybe even
for a lot of the other teams in the West.
Given the youthfulness of this Oklahoma City team, you start

(28:56):
to look at them and again I get I get it,
like it's a new name, new city, a new vibe,
new town, all that, and people don't get too fired
up about it. But they are only going to get better.
They are so young and talented. Barring somebody getting injured
at some point along the way, you could see this
team really competing for the NBA Finals, the Western Conference

(29:19):
Finals on a regular basis. And some of this sort
of cropping up in the midst of a timeline that
coexists where Anthony Edwards maybe on the verge of becoming

(29:39):
one of if not the best player in the league,
but Yojas Alexander is surrounded by a better cast and
a much younger cast. You know, Anthony Edwards is aged
by an or or aged. He is surrounded by an
aging ca asked Mike Conley, Rudy Gobert, Julius Randall, Like,

(30:07):
it's really hard to look at that Minnesota roster and
think that it is one that's going to be very
effective year in and year out moving forward. Like I
think it's a very short window. While I flipped Oklahoma
City and I go, ooh, a lot of youthful exuberants,

(30:29):
if you will, a lot of young guys said Okay, see,
so the future of the NBA right now feels like
it might very well run through the Oklahoma City Thunder
thirty five and six at home this season in the
regular season, and I know they had to go seven
games against the Denver Nuggets, which may speak volumes about

(30:50):
the Nuggets, but one eighteen one oh three last night
and a chance tomorrow to take a three to zero
series lead on the road at Minnesota tonight at eight o'clock,
Indiana's back in Madison Square Garden. After Haliburton's heroics if
you will. Some people were complaining in saying, oh, he

(31:12):
double dribbled on that play. I don't think so. I
think the Nick defender, the play where he faded back
from the basket and threw up that incredible shot that
was almost a three in a game winner, went to
the Reggie Miller choke celebration a little early, even though
they did end up winning the game. Looking back at it,
I thought the ball was knocked out of his hand

(31:32):
on that play and which is why he was able
to dribble again. I think it's pretty obvious it was
not a double dribble. But tonight at eight o'clock on TNT, Indiana,
can they take a two zero series lead on the
road at New York or do the Knicks have the
answer and can they win a game at home to

(31:52):
kind of keep themselves in the mix. Not saying that
either of these series are over by any means. The Thunder, though,
do seem like the likely winners in the Western Conference
just watching that team play so far in the postseason,
and speaking of the postseason, guys, may Day, may Day

(32:16):
red alert, red alert, am I coming in clear. The
Florida Panthers beating the Carolina Hurricanes last night five to nothing.
The Panthers will travel to Florida. Excuse me reverse that,
Carolina Panthers. Ha The Hurricanes will travel to the Panthers

(32:39):
to the Florida Panthers down two games to none. That's
not good. Losing both games on home ice. I'm not
loving it. Tonight, Edmonton and Dallas Game two at eight
o'clock on ESPN. Saturday at eight on TNT, the Hurricanes
look to salvage what has been a brutal, I mean

(33:01):
brutal series against Florida. The Panthers have scored ten goals
to the Hurricanes two. It's really weird to talk about
this in this respect, Okay, I want to just say
because in football it's the Carolina Panthers and the Miami Hurricanes,

(33:21):
and in hockey it's the Florida Panthers and the Carolina Hurricanes.
So you'll excuse me that I continue to have trouble
with these two teams facing off either way, this is
not going great for Carolina in this series so far.
The two teams had very similar records during the regular season,

(33:44):
but Florida beat them two out of the three times
they faced off. Twice pretty convincingly back in November on
back to back games six' three six, oh and then
they also beat them three to one in Early. January
so it's been a rough go of it for The
hurricanes Against florida this, year and they will have to

(34:05):
turn it. Around they're gonna have to find a way
to WIN i think both. Games, HONESTLY i think they're
gonna have to figure out how to win both games
on the, road because if it's three to one coming
back To, CAROLINA i really don't like their chances at.
All so that's what we're looking at from the standpoint
of THE nba and THE. Nhl as by the time

(34:29):
we get back with you ON i don't Know wednesday
next week because of Again Memorial day and jury, duty
at least On, TUESDAY i don't know what we might
be looking. At these series could be, wrapped several of
them that we just mentioned from THE nba and THE
nhl could be wrapped by. Then all, right quick, Break
we'll come. Back John ripman and The clypson softball team

(34:50):
of the huge victory seven to four last night out In, Austin,
texas their first Ever Super regional. Victory they didn't win
The Super regional just winning a game they'll play for
a chance to go to The Women's College World series.
Tonight we'll hear from Coach ritman And Alex brown And
Maddy moore right after. This lawton swam with you on
A friday. Afternoon last, night a historic moment for The

(35:12):
clemson softball, team their first ever victory in A Super
regional as they go out To texas to face The
Long horns and win game, one seven to. Four we'll
hear From John ripman. Momentarily they'll play again tonight at nine.
O'clock If clemson, wins they advanced to The Women's College
World series for the first time in program. History The
Women's College World series has played out In Oklahoma, city

(35:33):
And clemson's previous visits to the postseason have both ended In. Oklahoma,
unfortunately one of them a few seasons ago ended In
stillwater against The Oklahoma State, cowboys and then two years
ago ending out In norman against The Oklahoma sooners in
The Super regional round as. Well So clemson's been To

(35:54):
oklahoma in all of these opportunities that they've had In
Super regional. Play this, time, unfortunately they're At. Texas but
with one more, win guess what state they'll head, to
back To, oklahoma and that'll be for the, obviously for
The College world the Women's College World. Series all, right
Here's John ripman following The tigers victory last.

Speaker 9 (36:14):
Night, yeah really proud of our team. Tonight very hard fought,
battle as you can tell by these two in their.
Uniforms you, know it started off a little. Weird alex
started the game with a base, hit and then we
get into a lightning, delay and you, know you never
know how your team's gonna come out after. That they

(36:35):
were nice and relaxed in the locker, room having fun
watching our baseball team get a big win Against North Carolina.
State so when we came back, out we gave up
an unearned run there to them in the first inning and.
Unfortunate but this team just has a way, of you,
know bouncing back and not getting down on. Themselves we've

(36:57):
had quite a run in the last month and a,
half and you just never known a hostile environment against
a really Good texas, team how your team's going to.
RESPOND i Thought reese was was outstanding against their. OFFENSE
i know she gave up a couple of hits and
and gave up a couple of. Runs but you, know
our our offense had her. Back we put balls in,
play and that was our plan Against, cavan was trying

(37:19):
not to get you, know a lot of strikeouts against.
Her put it in play and give ourselves an. OPPORTUNITY
i thought our offense did an outstanding job of, that
but really being patiently aggressive at the. Plate AND i
thought we moved her pretty. Good and you, know and
then when when they bounce back and and uh got
runners there at first and second and we made the pitching,

(37:39):
CHANGE i thought mccobbn just held her composure and got
us out of that. Jam and you, Know texas is
a team that, really you, know they they live off that,
momentum and we shut the momentum down, there you. Know
and and the double play obviously the fly ball and
Then jam making.

Speaker 8 (37:54):
A perfect throw To abby was. Huge you.

Speaker 9 (37:57):
KNOW i, Thought Maddie's maddie's. Hit you, Know i've Said
maddie And alex when when they do, damage we're. Good
And alex was on base all night, tonight And maddy
drove her in And noler with.

Speaker 8 (38:07):
A, big big double there to give us some. Insurance,
Run so it was. Huge our job's not.

Speaker 9 (38:14):
Done we know this is just day one and tomorrow
is going to be a new, day and we've got
to come out with the right mindset of, literally you,
know playing it pitch to pitch and trying to win every.

Speaker 2 (38:24):
Inning Alex brown And Maddy moore clymps of softball players
were asked how they would Describe clemson's you, know sort
of how the way they handled things being down, early
the weather, delay et. Cetera, WELL i mean for.

Speaker 4 (38:38):
A previous came like the A sec, Tournament we've gotten
really good at playing in the, rain so like we
were kind of. Prepared there's nothing that we kind of
haven't seen or dealt with this season that hasn't prepared
us for every single situation possibly given to. Us SO
i think it's just we know how to deal with
the emotions and we can kind of calm ourselves and
we all love each other and we have, fun so
it's not really much of an issue when it's there's

(39:00):
mother nature takes its, course but we know how to
kind of bounce back and play the game.

Speaker 10 (39:04):
Afterwards, YEAH i definitely agree with, That like coach of them,
saying we were watching our baseball team in, there so
we were keeping the positive energy going and just keeping
good vibes in the visitor to locker, room and so
we're kind of leaning on each other for the weather.
Updates but we already knew nothing was gonna bother. Us
we were just so excited to play, that you, know
waiting thirty minutes an hour wasn't gonna do, anything just

(39:24):
because we were so.

Speaker 4 (39:24):
Excited, yeah we always seemed we're the cardiac kids everybody
likes to call. Us so we've always we always seemed
to be down and the, Comeback so it's.

Speaker 2 (39:32):
Fun one of the members of The texas media asked
the girls how they felt like they were able to
handle that environment playing out In, austin saying that the
girls didn't show any sense of intimidation at. All, yeah
we're really great.

Speaker 4 (39:42):
Actresses, No i'm just. Kidding, NO i, mean we all
work really well, together and we all know that we
each one of us have each other's, backs and so
we kind of. Werelink we's control and we play our
game and we know that if we don't do, well
somebody else will pick us. Up and you, know you're
probably gonna have a great, game and so it's just
a very like family feeling and so we all know

(40:02):
we have each other's.

Speaker 10 (40:03):
Backs, yeah and then, tonight you, know with a really
great crowd here At, texas we you know a couple
of times throughout the game and we felt you know
a lot of you, know nervousness or interests. Us we
just kind of came together and took a lot of
deep breaths AND i helped us throughout this. Game you,
know it's one pitch out of, time so we tried
not to make any moment.

Speaker 8 (40:18):
Too big in the.

Speaker 2 (40:19):
Game Alex brown was asked to give a description of
the double play that occurred in the fifth inning that
was so huge For clemson's momentum and getting out of a, Jam,
oh that was.

Speaker 10 (40:28):
Huge if you, know a, jam jam brings the. Energy
so she was all excited after that, play but we
were just as excited for her as soon as that
ball was hit too OR i could kind of at
third base since that she was going and so in my,
Head i'm, Like, okay this is going to be. Exciting
SO i Knew i've seen her in practice all the
time make those you, know money throws the home plate
and SO i WAS i wasn't, surprised but, no it

(40:48):
was a great. Throw we were all really excited For.

Speaker 2 (40:50):
Hey Coach John ripman was asked what clempses plan would
be with the pitching. Staff, yeah you.

Speaker 9 (40:57):
Know I'M i haven't really thought about it too much.
Yet we've been we've been riding those two horses for a.

Speaker 4 (41:03):
While.

Speaker 8 (41:03):
Now we do have other.

Speaker 9 (41:05):
Pitching we Have Macy, centron a freshman who's thrown a
lot of innings for us this, year and we've kind, of,
uh you, know protected her innings a little.

Speaker 8 (41:12):
Bit but we'll see what tomorrow.

Speaker 9 (41:14):
BRINGS i, mean, Obviously brook And reese's feet off each.
Other they compliment each other with their. Pitches Obviously texas
is a powerful, lineup so we'll plan on using everybody
to get to get to where we want to.

Speaker 8 (41:28):
Go and if you do See kevan, again what was
the key tonight for you guys getting your hits against?

Speaker 9 (41:34):
Her, WELL i think the biggest thing is you can't,
chase you, know and and if she gives you a
pitch and the strike, zone you've got to be able
to put it in.

Speaker 8 (41:40):
Play and with a.

Speaker 9 (41:42):
Pitcher like, that that has a good off, speed pitch and,
velocity you just can't. Chase AND i thought we did
a pretty good job of that, tonight of not chasing a,
lot and you put the ball in play and usually
get things. Happen and that would be our same approach.
TOMORROW i, mean we do a good Job Ryan maligman And,
crash our two assistant, coaches do a great job of

(42:02):
preparing scouting, reports and our our hitters do.

Speaker 8 (42:05):
A really good job of following.

Speaker 9 (42:07):
Through so we'll look at the film tonight and and
uh come up with a plan. Tomorrow and and, UH
i know our hitters are are really good at making.
Adjustment so if if their pictures make, adjustments we're ready.

Speaker 2 (42:19):
For our number. Two Will vandibort joins us right around the,
bend stay with us.

Speaker 1 (42:25):
Each time for clubs and sports talk With Lowton. Swan

(43:06):
it is our number.

Speaker 2 (43:09):
Two that's drivetime right here on the show that shakes
the South Land Clemson Sports doll Log swan hanging out
with you on A friday afternoon. Again programming Note monday And.
Tuesday we're off the Air monday For Memorial, Day tuesday
for jury. Duty we'll see If i'm off even more
or if we have one of those. Weeks i'm, Hoping

(43:30):
i'm secretly, hoping because it's like a short week With Memorial,
day that we'll get there and they'll, go, well we
don't have anything for. YOU i, go, yes thank, You you're.
Dismissed but maybe, Not maybe that won't be the case,
anyway do gotta? Say coming? Up Will Van derwart joins
the program, Momentarily but the show that shakes the South

(43:50):
land as always brought to you in part by our
good friends over AT Mets plumbing seven three to, drip, drip, drip.
Drip the jingle seventy three to two. Drip That's Met's,
plumbing Mets plumbing Dot. Com all right out of the gates,
here hour. Two Will, vandermoort The Clemson, insider joins. Us willy,

(44:11):
be what's, up big? Guy?

Speaker 3 (44:13):
Man i'm. Good i'm just relaxing and joining some baseball
on A friday, afternoon a Beautiful friday. Afternoon really should
be outside doing, something but baseball's. On so that's always
going to strike.

Speaker 2 (44:23):
Me, well, yeah this time of the, year, man you
got baseball and softball locked, in not just for The Clympson,
tigers but for teams all across the. Country let's start
with baseball up at THE Acc tournament last. Night This clemson, team,
man you, know they've at the beginning of the season
absolutely on, fire went kind of through a little turbulent,

(44:43):
stretch if you. Will people questioned after losing that series
To duke how they would respond and bounce, back and,
man WHAT i saw from them last night gives me
really really good confidence about this. Team because That Nancy
state ball, club will you know, it they swept them
up in rawh but man to bounce back and win
that game seven to, six all the lead, Changes, man

(45:05):
that was just A that's the kind of baseball performance
you want to see from a team as you venture
towards you, know postseason, play if you.

Speaker 3 (45:12):
Will, absolutely you, know that's AN Nc state team that's
got high leverage, arms especially The nance kid that he was,
throwing you, know mid upper. Nineties both of them were
actually and actually all three of them. WERE i Know,
dudda the last, guy he's a he's a mid nineties,
guy but he can throw in the upper. Nineties and,

(45:33):
man they just their arms are just they're gonna go
far because of those arms they. HAVE i really believe,
that and so For clemson to get a win last,
night that was huge because that's a GOOD Nc state.
Team that's a team THAT i think is going to
make some noise in the in a, regional maybe even
get to a super. Regional and they had the pitching
to get them where they need to. Go AND i

(45:54):
think they're hitting is good enough to where they could you,
know they can win ball games as. Well and they
played probably their best all year Against clemson up there In.
Raleigh AND i thought last NIGHT Nc state played a
very good baseball game, too and it was just a
matter of who made the last. Play and luckily For
clemson they made one more play THAN Nc state, did
but a gutty. Win, Nonetheless welton and you know that

(46:17):
was a good. Win clinton moved up number eight in THE,
rpi and now they go into That Georgia tech game
tomorrow in the. Semifinals they're going to go into that
with a chance to possibly put themselves in position to
host the be a top eight national. SEED i really
believe That clemson wins the, tournament they're definitely gonna be
a top eight national. Seed but they're in the conversation
right now with that number EIGHT rpi to maybe get

(46:40):
there if they can Beat Georgia.

Speaker 2 (46:41):
Tech Will van Der wort with us here on the
program from The Clemson insider talking about The tiger seven
to sixth victory last night up In. Durham he was
at that game And will, Afterwards Eric backach was talking
About Jacob jerrold and the job that he's. Done he talked,
about you, know just the type of leader that he
is and expects big things from him from his, work

(47:02):
ethic and everything. Else you, know quite the compliment From
backage about his. Catcher.

Speaker 3 (47:10):
Absolutely the THING i love About Jacob gerrold is he's
a working man's kind of. Guy like you look at his.
Paddy it's, ripped it's. Torn he doesn't want to take,
off he doesn't want any new patting he wants you,
know he's not worried about how he. Looks he worries, About,
okay this is what's, comfortable this is WHAT i enjoy.
Wearing i'm gonna wear it until it falls, off, Basically
and that says a little bit about who he is

(47:31):
as a, person you, know as far as that he
has no problem getting dirty to get things, done and
that's the kind of ball player he. Is and last
night another big home run for. HIM i was huge
at that time BECAUSE Nc state had stole the, momentum
the game was, tied And clemson just really needed something
to give him another, spark and he gave him that

(47:53):
with that home. Run and you, know he's been consistent all.
Year he's probably been the most consistent power they've had this,
season and they're gonna need that if they expect to
go a long way in the. Postseason and so, yeah
he's he's helped helped them turn things. Around had a
good series Against, pittsburgh and you, know he's playing well

(48:15):
at the right time of the, year and a lot
of GUYS i think are right. NOW i think The
pittsburgh series did wonders for this team's, confidence especially after played, because, uh,
Look Jack, crichton he's really turned it, Up Dominic, lesti
he's really turned it, up you. Know and of Course
cam's been killing it the last couple of. Weeks, man
even when they were losing Against duke and, Them cam
was hitting over five hundred and he's continued to do.

(48:37):
That right, Now Kim canerell has turned it up another
level and you can see that when he's.

Speaker 2 (48:41):
Playing Will van dervoart with. Us so it'll Be clemson
In Georgia tech tomorrow at THE Acc tournament for the
right to play for the. Championship these two teams uh
faced off earlier this. Year clemson won two out of
three against The Yellow. Jackets AND i think the most
notable Thing will is that The Atlantic Coast, conference the
league did not have a team that finished the regular

(49:03):
season with less than ten. Losses clemson goes eighteen and,
Twelve Georgia tech is nineteen. Eleven they're the number one.
SEED clymps is the five. SEED i, mean If clempson
just sweeps that, series they're the number one seed at
THE Acc. Tournament so you, know for anybody that's tuning
in and, going, man MAYBE clemps is gonna be. OVERMATCHED i,
mean this a'll be a heck of a ball. Game
even Though Georgia tech yesterday was absolutely sensational with the

(49:26):
way they played Against.

Speaker 3 (49:27):
Cal, yeah You cal ran out of, pitching, Right Georgia.
Tech if there's one team when you run out of
pitching that's gonna punish you in this, tournament it's gonna
Be Georgia. Tech they they are who they, are you
Know Danny hall's, teams, right this is what they. Do
and they're loaded with these, big burly guys that go

(49:48):
on to play forever In Major League. Baseball and they
just look like they, all you, know going out there
cutting lumber every day for. Workouts you Know i'm, SAYING i,
mean that's what they look. Like they're so, big they
just don't look like baseball. Players and he's got a
couple of them again this. Year and you know what
they do is they just they just hit home runs,
AGAIN i think top two in THE acc and home

(50:08):
runs one of the top teams in the country and
home runs and did they have what seven? Yesterday is that?
Right it was something crazy like, yeah, yeah, YEAH i
mean just just nuts of the power that team. Has
and they In clemson pitching did ay outstanding job in that.
Series and by the, Way Georgia tech's ballpark is a

(50:30):
Ken ken if you, Will and, UH i thought that
was the best pitching performance of the year For clemson
pitching staff in those three. Games now they're gonna have
to do it, again and, UH i don't know if
that's in. Them if you, will you know What i'm, saying,
like you just use your closer yesterday through sixty, pitches he's.
DONE i don't know if they're gonna have Reed garris or.

(50:54):
Not the verdict still out on. That you, Know so
who you're gonna, Start you're gonna start Bj. Bailey he
got rocked yesterday BY Nc. STATE i don't think you
throw him out. There So i'm interested to see What
Aaron beckets is gonna. Do but who he branks out
for pitching BECAUSE i just Mentioned cal got ripped because
they ran out of. Pitching they played two games where
they really their pitching staff wasn't not great, anyway, right

(51:15):
and they were getting rocked and they just happened out score.
People but then they play a team who actually stepped
a pretty good pitching AND's got the bats to really
punish you if you can't. Pitch and that's my number
one concern For Clempson lamar is you, know can they
keep These Georgia tech batters at day in that what
it's known as The Hitters ballpark there In.

Speaker 2 (51:34):
Durham, well let's turn our attention to the softball. TEAM
i think Every tiger fan that wanted to stay up
late last night got some good fortune in the fact
That clemson what Guy Alex brown on base and four
pitches into that game out In, Austin, texas it goes
to a delay that doesn't end until The clemson baseball games.
Over as a matter of, fact the girls the softball

(51:54):
team was able to watch the boys finish up their
game before they go back out there and come away
with a seven to four. Victory just a huge. WIN i, mean, obviously,
look you're you're knocking on the doorstep of the Women's
College World. Series, uh it feels like a place that
this program probably should have gotten at some point in
one of these first you, know six full years or

(52:17):
five full years or. Whatever but all that being, said,
man what was your takeaway from last night's performance in
the job that those girls did out on the.

Speaker 3 (52:26):
ROAD i, mean they were if anybody watches the, game
watch the, game they were the better. TEAM i, mean
if people call them an, upset but if you watch the,
Game clemson's the one that Kept texas in the. Game
whereas they had some bad base, running whether it be
they made some bonehead plays or girls stepping off the

(52:47):
bag when when they had a chance to get it
out stepping off the bag before they got the, ball
a couple of plays in the outfield that Allowed texas
to keep that bats going when they should have been,
catches but they normally so it wasn't Like clemson played
great last night in that, game and they still won
seven to. Four so if You're, clemson you're probably sitting there, Thinking,

(53:08):
okay you just you, know had nine hits on their age,
pitcher you scored six runs on. Her you didn't play
your best game fielding wise at. ALL i mean probably
that was their worst game from a fielding standpoint of
the postseason. Play and yet they still won the game
by three. Runs and so if You're, clemson you're, thinking

(53:29):
we're the better. Team we should go out there and
win the. Game everybody else may think it's an, upset
but we don't right kind of. Thing AND i think
that's the mentality this team. Has they just played loose and,
free and they feel like they can beat anybody in
any given. Day and lot here's a stat for you that,
nobody not even, myself has taught. ABOUT i gotta give
credit To William walkinbush for this. Stat clemson is five

(53:51):
and one Against super regional teams this. Year that's an amazing,
statistic five to one against the sixteen best teams in the.
Come that's something that nobody's talked. About and it also
shows you the high level that they're playing. On AND
i really believe this is a team that can. Win
definitely is gonna win one of these two. Games i've

(54:12):
had no doubt in my mind they're going. TO i
think they're gonna finish it, tonight and THEN i think
their team that can go out To Oklahoma city and
make some noise as. Well i'm not saying they're gonna
win the national, championship because that's a tall order for
a program as young as they, are BUT i think
they got they got that gumption about them as a
team that they just feel like they can win any,
game no matter what the score. Is they can come

(54:33):
back and, win or they can just take control of
a game and. Win and, Man i'll tell you WHAT
i told you this last. Week they're just so fun
to watch and be. AROUND i just Enjoy they're one
of the best Teams i've ever covered in the standpoint
of how they just get. Along there's not an ego
in the. Clubhouse they all play together and work, together
and nobody thinks they're better than the. Other and it's

(54:55):
really refreshing to see there's no cliques at all in.
There they're literally every single twenty two of those girls
are friends and you can see that when they're playing
these games.

Speaker 2 (55:06):
On twitter At Steeler will again he covers The Clempson
tigers for The Clemson. Insider Will Van dervoort with us
here on A friday. Afternoon you, know one of the
things THAT i think is kind of underrated about the
group quite frankly when you watch, them because you, know
the nature of that sport is so fast, paced but,
dude their ability to field the ball and you, know

(55:26):
make heavy. Plays you, know that's something that really when
you you lock in and watch, them you just kind
of shake your head BECAUSE i think it's tough to
kind of determine on the television how quick some of
that action is actually taking.

Speaker 3 (55:43):
Place, yeah it, is and midway through the, SEASON i
want to, say maybe a little bit more than. Midway
but early in the year he was playing with his
infield and didn't REALLY i think he Had Alex brown
playing short a little. Bit he was working trying to
fill out Where collins was gonna Be collins was playing some.
Outfield uh then he made the move and brought Uh

(56:04):
mary And collins in the short Kept Alex brown over
at third, base which is her natural. Position and Obviously
Maddie moore has solidified second base and how good she.
Is and that middle infield For clemson is really really.
Good and as you, mentioned they make really good smart.
Plays they they got good, reach all of them. Do

(56:25):
they got good. Range they can make athletic plays and
and that's what you need in. Softball it's so, important
especially on the left side of the, infield that it
has to be extremely solid in softball because that's that's
so much of where the game is, played and your
third basement has to be. Lead And Alex brown has
played at an elite. Level that's why she's first Team

(56:46):
all A. Sec and she's. Not she hasn't done just
on the, field but she's also done the plate as.
Well and you, know and then LIKE i, Said mary
And collins as has been a big lift, form you,
know and and and what she's done both at the
plate and in the, infield and you're, right their defense
has been as good as. Anybody you saw the play

(57:07):
last night That Maddie moore, made just climbing the, ladder
robbing a girl of an extra. Base that was just
it's one of the top plays of this Tournament i've
seen so. FAR i, mean and then last, week Right Kylie.
Johnson nobody talks about, this but in that bottom of
the sixth Against, northwestern when they're having a zero zero,
game she makes she robs what would have been potentially

(57:28):
the game winning home run For, northwestern and she extends
that game because of. That, so, uh they got some
good defensive players out. There when they're playing their best
on the defensive, side they're hard to. Beat and that's
that's proven to be the. Case and that's why they're,
pitchers you, Know brooke mccovin And Reese. Basinger they don't
worry about like what's going on behind. Them they just throw.

(57:49):
Strikes they're not a big strikeout, team so they're not
they're not gonna overpower you Like Valerie cagle did with With.
Power but what they do is they put the ball
in play and let their defense play behind. Them and
it's it's been a great formula so.

Speaker 2 (58:01):
Far all, Right, well let's turn our attention to college
football real, quick because The College Football Playoff committee earlier
this week came out with the updated seedings and the
way they're going to do it's going to be a
straight seated. Bracket Notre dame can now get one of the.
Buys the top four teams are going to get those four.
BUYS i, mean what do you think about the, changes
especially after you only got to see it one? Time

(58:23):
BUT i do have to wonder if If Boise state
had not been one of the teams that gott to,
buy would we be sitting in this spot. TODAY i
think everybody knew it was a, possibility but maybe perhaps
for it to happen in year one maybe made people
press the panic button a little.

Speaker 3 (58:38):
BIT i think people didn't like That Boise state got
in there and got to buy and some of the
little guys were getting some of the big boys. Money.
RIGHT i think you're one percent. ACCURATE i think you
know they also sold out because now The power four
conferences are going to make eight million dollars as opposed

(58:58):
to four million next. Year that was sort of their trade, off, Like,
okay we'll give us a little bit more, money and
it was gonna happen when they go to the fourteen
or sixteen team format next. Year it was gonna happen,
Anyway and if you think about, it every single sport
is done this, way has been for. Years football was
the only one that wasn't done with the higher seeds
regardless of conference. Championship Now i've heard some people were.

(59:21):
Confused the conference champions still gets an automatic birth is
still an automatic. Qualifier that's gonna stay the. Same so
the top five champions or the top four are gonna get, in,
Right so that's the acc all then and then of
course a group of five Like Boise state will have
a chance to jump in there, Too but all the
conference champions are, gonna you, know are gonna get an

(59:42):
automatic qualifying bid and then and then you, know so
that means that like, again like last year we have
With clemson b in twelfth And Arizona state, eleven, right
they still would have got in even under the current
seeding because the automatic qualifier. Spots so you, know AND
i think this, YEAR i don't think it's gonna matter
With clemson this year BECAUSE i Think clemson's gonna be
right around that top four. Anyway BUT i, mean If

(01:00:04):
crimson's got to play a, game you, know In Death?
Valley is that a bad? Thing? RIGHT i, mean BECAUSE
i Think clemson would be somewhere in the top. Five
and the first thing Is clinton will play a home
playoff game In Death. Valley that's not too. Bad so you,
know it is what it. Is you knew it was
going to happen because you, know unfortunately the big ten

(01:00:26):
in THE sec are running things right now and it's
going to get in even more so next, year, guys
when they're allowed to get four teams in and the
A sec in The big twelve and we're going to get.
Two so it is what it is as we go
as we get into next. Year but if you're Like dadbo,
says if you want to change, something you got to
go beat. Them do you learn about it and just

(01:00:48):
go beat? Them and that's what we're seeing with The
crimson softball. Team right they got robbed of a host
in a super regional and right now they're one game
from going and stealing A College World series spots from THE.
Sec if they can win this game one of these
next two.

Speaker 2 (01:01:03):
Games well we only got about a, Minute but what
are your thoughts On some people have, said, hey what if, one, two,
three and four actually where the teams that got the
home games and the other first round games were. Bulls
what will you think about?

Speaker 3 (01:01:13):
THAT i don't see why why they would want to do,
that because that's, LIKE i don't, know because you're if
you're THE Nc DOUBLE, a why would you want to
lose that? Money where you got how many? Games is
that teams would host four or five games and then
you got the balls where people can. TRAVEL i don't, know,
Man i'm kind of. THING i DON'T i can see your,

(01:01:36):
Point but at the same, time don't you want to
rather have to buy and you, KNOW i don't, know
have a bowl? Game so you're Saying clinton would go
to The Rose.

Speaker 2 (01:01:44):
Bowl, no, no, No i'm saying so the number one.
Team so, yeah, Yeah so the first round games would
be played at bull sites and then the top four
seeds would host their games and.

Speaker 8 (01:01:58):
Then they go to The.

Speaker 3 (01:01:59):
Semmis, yeah well we got twenty.

Speaker 2 (01:02:02):
Seconds you're gonna have to cook on that one for a.

Speaker 11 (01:02:04):
Week willy B, YEAH i don't, know.

Speaker 3 (01:02:07):
Man that's, tough, man that's.

Speaker 2 (01:02:08):
Tough Will, vanderbort The Clemson, Insider Will we'll talk to
you Next. Friday my, man.

Speaker 8 (01:02:14):
There you.

Speaker 2 (01:02:14):
Go That's Will vanderbort here on A friday. Afternoon when
we come, back we'll update you on That Duke Florida
state matchup taking place up In durham right after This
london swan with you on A friday, Afternoon Clempson Sports.
Tall don't forget about our friends up At Alumni hall
on the corner of campus On College avenue With Downtown.
Clemson go check them out. Today It's Alumni. Hall get

(01:02:36):
all your officially Licensed clemson, merchandise, HATS t, shirts tailgate gear.
Apparel don't forget to ask them about Their Alumni Hall
Rewards pass. Program but don't Forget Clipson, students, faculty and
military members get ten percent off on shopping in. Store
go check them out. Today shop WHERE i. Shop It's
Alumni hall.

Speaker 4 (01:02:57):
All.

Speaker 2 (01:02:57):
Right at the ace see, Tournament Florida state And duke
were in a pretty tight battle. EARLY i mean, obviously,
well every game's tight early swanning it all start. Well
after two runs in the bottom of the, First duke
answered to tie the. Game Florida. State uh the center,

(01:03:23):
FIELDER i think it was center, field either centerfield or left.
FIELD i think center had a beat on the, ball
but again for the second time there that during Bull
stadium after noon. Games it's. Tough he looked like he
was locked in and the ball just landed a couple
of feet to his. Left that allowed Two Blue devils
to score in the top half of the second inning

(01:03:44):
and make it a two to two. Game then in
the bottom half of the Second Florida state got a
home run to take a three to two. Lead but
then it was the bottom of the third Where Florida
state went off with eight runs, scored giving them an
eleven to two. Advantage at last, check that game was

(01:04:05):
twelve to Four Florida state in the bottom of the sixth,
inning so excuse, me bottom of the fifth. Inning so
that's the last Update i've got on that. Game and
again coming up tonight at THE Acc, tournament it'll be
third Seeded North carolina playing in their first game of the,
tournament going up Against Boston, college the fourteen seed who's

(01:04:28):
playing their third. Game and there in lies like to
me the weirdness of the way this bracket and schedules set.
Up So Boston college played their first game On. Tuesday
that seems like a life ago And North carolina is

(01:04:50):
playing their first game On, Friday like that's that's bizarre to.
Me and Like cal And, clemson and really Unlike, cal
who also played On, tuesday but Unlike, Cal Boston college

(01:05:10):
did get at least one day. Off they Got thursday.
Off So cal Played, Tuesday, Wednesday thursday and got. Beat
Boston college Played tuesday And, wednesday Had thursday, off and
they'll Play, friday they'll play. Today so you, KNOW i
don't know THAT i necessarily love. THAT i THINK i
would prefer for everybody to have played On thursday four.

(01:05:35):
GAME i, mean if you got four in On tuesday
and four and On, wednesday you could get for it On.
Thursday and if you did, that you would play two
games On friday and then your championship game On. Saturday
SO i don't, KNOW i don't know the logic around.

Speaker 4 (01:05:55):
It.

Speaker 2 (01:05:56):
Now, again If clemson were to, advance they play tomorrow Against.
Georgia take if they were to win tomorrow against The,
yellowjacks the championship game is at noon On, sunday all,
Right so that's what you're looking. At That North Carolina
Boston college game coming up tonight at seven and again
In Florida state And duke in my. Timeline currently underway

(01:06:20):
over at THE Sec, Championship vanderbilt And tennessee both punch
tickets to the semi. Finals, yesterday the eighth Seeded Tennessee
volunteers top top Seeded texas seven to, Five so the
reigning defending national, champions the eighth seed in THE Sec,

(01:06:41):
tournament advanced to a one o'clock start tomorrow against fourth Seeded.
Vanderbilt vanderbilt played their first game of the. Tournament they Beat,
oklahoma who had moved all the way into the quarterfinals
as the twelve. Seed they topped them six to one to.
Advance Under built is the fourth, seed AND i believe

(01:07:01):
the home team in that matchup Against tennessee tomorrow at one.
O'clock then in the bottom half of THE sec tournament,
bracket games underway, today just getting started a little bit,
ago second seed In arkansas And Old, miss and then
tonight at seven thirty it'll be third SEEDED lsu going

(01:07:25):
up against fourteenth Seeded TEXAS a AND. M so those
two spots will be filled and Played tomorrow's semi final
game between the winner of those two games, today that
game will be played at four thirty On. Saturday let
me see IF i can get you an updated score
On Ole miss And missouri as those two teams are

(01:07:49):
underway this. Afternoon it looks Like Old miss is currently
leading five to two pretty early in that. Game Ole
miss got five runs in the top of the. First
arkansas has answered back with a run scored in both

(01:08:09):
the bottom of the first and the bottom of the second,
inning but they were still at bat at last checking that.
Game and, Again arkansas is the two, Seed Old miss
the seventh, seed jumping out to an early lead over the.
Razorback so that's the Update i've got for you on
that front. Again college softball tonight nine, O'clock clemson At.

(01:08:30):
Texas The, tigers with a, victory will advance to The
College World, series the Women's College World series for the
first time in program. History The South carolina Game cocks
BEAT ucla today in, softball and they are also one
win away from The Women's College World. Series so for
all our fine feathered friends peeking over the, fence.

Speaker 3 (01:08:52):
So you could continue to peek over the fence at
the best radio, showing.

Speaker 2 (01:08:55):
The naked could The Palmetto state book two tickets to
Op Coklahoma city for The Women's College World. Series the
possibility is real as both the Game cocks And tigers
are on the precipice of A World series. Birth, NOW
i know For clemson obviously the program so young as

(01:09:16):
their first if they were to get, there and for
the Game cos they've actually made three appearances in The
Women's College World series back in nineteen eighty, three nineteen eighty,
nine and nineteen ninety, seven so it's been a while
for the Game cocks as. Well now No Clemson tiger
baseball tonight. Again they are back on the diamond tomorrow
up In durham Against Georgia, tech the top. Seed we

(01:09:39):
played some audio From Eric beckitch earlier in the. Show
we'll reset that for you here in our number two
because obviously we got a different group of listeners here
AND i want everybody who's A tiger fan in The
midlands traveling to be able to pick up on that.
Audio so we'll play that for you when we. Returned
stay with us back end of the program on A friday.

(01:09:59):
Afternoon remember programming, note we are off the Year monday
For Memorial day and Off tuesday Because i've got jury
duty impossibly the rest of the. Week who knows how
bat'll all shake out. Anyway, earlier we heard from Coach
Eric backache Following clemson's incredible victory last night against N C.
State The, tigers the fifth, seed will take On Georgia
tech tomorrow a one o'clock start up In. Durham here's

(01:10:22):
the postgame comments from Coach Eric.

Speaker 5 (01:10:24):
Backache, yeah awesome college baseball.

Speaker 4 (01:10:27):
Game.

Speaker 6 (01:10:28):
Exciting that was one of the most fun GAMES i
Think i've ever been a part. Of SO i know
that the players had to have loved it just as.
Much but saw a little bit of. Everything we scored
in a multitude of ways at a suicide, squeeze a safety,
squeeze a SLASH jj three.

Speaker 5 (01:10:48):
RBIs all by himself with the, sacfly a solo homer
and ANOTHER rbi.

Speaker 6 (01:10:51):
Single but you, know just the, contributions the two strike,
hitting you, know the relief pitching By Lucas, smallstad you,
know all of it mixed in just made for just
one heck of a college game against you, know an
opponent that you, know he's given us just a lot
of trouble this, year and maybe an opponent that had
some of the best power relief pitching in all of college.

Speaker 5 (01:11:15):
Baseball they Just nance And dudan and they just you,
know they just have.

Speaker 6 (01:11:21):
An, electric electric stuff to go with a premier group
of starting pitchers as. Well so that's obviously any league
club IN Nc state and wouldn't be surprised to see
them make a postseason.

Speaker 5 (01:11:33):
Run but heck of a win.

Speaker 6 (01:11:35):
Tonight we needed every run we had and every you, know,
everything and just an incredible.

Speaker 5 (01:11:40):
Effort proud of our.

Speaker 2 (01:11:41):
Guys Eric becatche was asked about his comments after the
series lost To. Duke did you felt like this team
had to fight at him to bounce? Back and what
this victory over AN Nc, state AN Nc state team
that swept them in the regular season may be.

Speaker 5 (01:11:54):
Meant that's a good, word you, know the result of this.

Speaker 6 (01:11:58):
Group sometimes you need itversity to figure out who we
are and your identity is formed in shaped as the
season goes. On and you, know we you, know we
had little bits of adversity in some, games but never
really a stretch like that where for three.

Speaker 5 (01:12:15):
Weeks we you, know it was it was, tough but.

Speaker 6 (01:12:20):
Our guys fought through, it to use your, word fight
and got back up stronger and playing better baseball than ever.
Before and it doesn't have to be, perfect but it
certainly feels, right looks, right and this looks like an
even more confident. Bunch just an unbelievable group of kids
that great leadership and great character players that just it's

(01:12:41):
just no quick and we saw that tonight many times
with the back and, forth trading lunches type of. Game
But i'm very proud of how, they you, know fought
through the three weeks of losing three series.

Speaker 5 (01:12:54):
In a row to get back up and be the
best we've been all season right.

Speaker 2 (01:12:58):
Now clemson Catcher Jacob jerrold was asking about his home
run in the sixth inning that Gave clemson a four
to three. Advantage, WELL i just saw.

Speaker 5 (01:13:08):
The pitch and.

Speaker 7 (01:13:09):
Swung but just going on the sky, REPORT i mean he,
was you, know pretty basketball, heavy and, uh you, KNOW
i watched guys in front of me Like Don lassie
And Josh, Panos so having them in front of, me
like Especially, josh you, know a lot of teams Pitched
josh and saman you, know they pitched, me SO i
can watch a lot.

Speaker 2 (01:13:27):
Of stuff from, him and, yeah aery backage was asked
about Reliever Lucas. Mawstead he ended up getting in the.
Win he pitched four, innings gave up four, hits had four,
strikeouts but got out of a couple of. Jams and
here's What Ery backache had to say about his. Pitcher,
yeah well he's pretty.

Speaker 7 (01:13:45):
Filthy he throws some cut different slots and it really
messes with the hitter's eyes and it's it's fun catching
him and then also having the defense behind him too
and make. Plays and then made four double plays to,
night and it's pretty fun seeing that break on the.

Speaker 2 (01:13:58):
Dish Eric backage was also asked about the squeeze place
that clips had had in the top of the fifth.
Inning just an aggressive, PLAY i. TWEETED i love seeing
baseball played that. Way i'm not the huge fan of
the small, ball BUT i am fan of being. Aggressive
And clipson was early going in the early, goings And
backache was asked about.

Speaker 6 (01:14:15):
That, yeah it takes a mental toughness to be able,
to you, know be able to center yourself and execute
at a high level against the lead pitching in a
big time, environment and to be able to get those,
plays to get those bunts down or to excuse slash
and so especially given the stuff that we're, facing it

(01:14:40):
it makes it double.

Speaker 5 (01:14:41):
Tough, YEAH i mean it's it's these guys, trained they've
trained all year practicing those.

Speaker 6 (01:14:46):
Plays and so they've had a lot of reps doing.
It it's one thing to do it in a controlled.
Environment it's another thing to do it in an environment like.

Speaker 5 (01:14:55):
This and so it just speaks a lot, too you,
know the, toughness the will and the a nation that
just do something good for the.

Speaker 2 (01:15:02):
Team Eric beckets was also asked About clemson's pitching. Plans,
obviously The tigers don't have to play, today which is
nice they get the day. Off but here's What Eric
beckatch had to say about what they might.

Speaker 5 (01:15:15):
Do we like j in. RELIEF i, mean he'll be.
Back he you, know he's.

Speaker 6 (01:15:23):
You did have a lot of success Against Georgia. Tech
luckily we don't play, tomorrow so that'll be nice to
get a good day. Arrest but you, know we could
GO bj we could Go Talon. Bell you, know we
could use an opener that's a right. HANDER i, mean
we'll we'll.

Speaker 4 (01:15:37):
See But.

Speaker 6 (01:15:39):
Georgia tech is going to be just to suffer of an,
opponent and you know they won the league for a.
Reason BUT i think we'll figure it all out, tomorrow.

Speaker 2 (01:15:50):
Is the Staff backacheles asked what the momentum that The
tigers are playing. With if he'd prefer just to play
tomorrow instead or which will be today instead of a day,
OFF i.

Speaker 6 (01:15:59):
Think everyone would be would benefit from a day off
and get a lift in and get the feet underneath.
Them and whether we play more or the next, day
it really doesn't. Matter it's it's kind of all the.
SAME i think these guys were just excited to just stay.

Speaker 5 (01:16:14):
Here a little bit.

Speaker 2 (01:16:15):
Longer Eric beckageles ask if he thought that hard fault
seven six victory was reminiscent or indigative of hard bought
games that you'll see In.

Speaker 11 (01:16:22):
June.

Speaker 3 (01:16:23):
Yeah.

Speaker 5 (01:16:23):
ABSOLUTELY i MEAN Nc state's And omaha team last.

Speaker 6 (01:16:26):
Year we're a super regional team last, year and it
kind of felt like tonight was like a super regional
or An.

Speaker 12 (01:16:32):
Omaha type, game just two evenly matched, clubs just trading,
blows going back and, forth a bunch of lead changes
LIKE jj.

Speaker 6 (01:16:42):
Minished we had to turn four double, plays got fortunate
with some of, those but the defense really picked us
up in.

Speaker 5 (01:16:48):
Those and but each you could just tell each team
the margin in these games is razor.

Speaker 6 (01:16:54):
Thin it's one, swing it's one, play it's one. Pitch
because this is, yeah this feels like a deep In
june type of.

Speaker 5 (01:17:01):
BALLGAME i, mean that was, just you, know in at
least in my, memory that was just one of the most,
thrilling exciting games to be a part.

Speaker 6 (01:17:10):
Of whether you're a, coach a, player or a fan
or someone watching when it's just a spectator with no
dog in the, fight that was.

Speaker 5 (01:17:17):
A fun game to.

Speaker 8 (01:17:17):
Watch so there you.

Speaker 2 (01:17:19):
Go wanted to make sure everybody got a chance to
hear that here in our number. Two all, right with
a quick, break we'll come back with. More we'll put
a bowl on the show as it is a big
night For clemson softball at nine pm tonight ON espn.
Two stay with.

Speaker 11 (01:17:31):
Us what have you done for me? Lately it's a fair.
Question just don't lose sight of the bigger. Picture don't
forget history looking for us At. Clemson the answer to
the questions what have you done for me?

Speaker 8 (01:17:51):
Lately and what have you?

Speaker 5 (01:17:53):
Done always are the.

Speaker 8 (01:17:54):
Same we win.

Speaker 2 (01:18:47):
Final segment on A friday, afternoon just a huge weekend
potentially For clemson baseball And clemson softball keeping locked in on.
That now next week it will be a big record
recruiting weekend For. Clemson is they've got a ton of
talent coming in To Tiger, town Including Tyler. Atkinson we
heard From tyler On twitter the other. Day he hit

(01:19:08):
us sub to check in and looking forward to hearing
how his visit goes With. CLEMSON i could tell you
this The tigers right now on the recruiting trail With
Ben bullware sort of heading up the heading up the linebacker.
Room along with the addition Of Tom, allen it is
a big step forward in the mind's eye OF i

(01:19:28):
think a lot of players because of the job that
guys did At Penn state Under Tom allen as. Well
that has certainly Helped clemson's recruiting profile on that. Front
so we'll see how everything all shakes. Out but we
got a week until until all of that goes down. Now,
obviously The Atlantic Coast conference in football has been driven

(01:19:52):
By clemson and The tiger success in recent, years but
a new storyline has really emerged With Bill belichick At North,
carolina and again we've talked about some of the strange
aspects Of belichick's tenure is, girlfriend, fiance whatever is going
on with, him how much younger she is than, him all,
That AND i don't really care about that side of the.

(01:20:14):
Story it's just a weird. One But THE Acc huddle
has a special coming up Where dabosweeney And Bill belichick
spend an hour long. Conversation it'll premiere On may twenty

(01:20:35):
eighth at seven, o'clock gonna be hosted By Rhys. Davis
So belichick And Sweeney Reyese davis in a room together.

Speaker 8 (01:20:49):
For an.

Speaker 2 (01:20:49):
HOUR i, MEAN i don't know what this is gonna.
Be LIKE i did, see you, know they sort of
show a couple of little, snippets if you, will showing
that showing, that Like Dabo sweeney And Bill belichi that

(01:21:12):
they were discussing the B yog bring your own guts whole.
Thing BUT i do think that most, people both college
and pro are probably gonna want to tune you in
to catch, This, like you, know this is as big
As clemson's kind of been in the minds eye of
the public at the collegiate. Level THIS i think steps

(01:21:36):
it up a little bit because there is a separate
almost the right, word there's a kind of a separate
viewing party professional, sports and there's certainly A i don't
want to say, GLOBAL i would hesitate use the word,
global but there is a national from coast to coast

(01:21:58):
interest In Bill belichick in his career and the coverage
that you that you get from that front FROM nfl
teams and excuse, ME nfl media, members et. Cetera and
now you're kind of Lumping dabosweeney And clemson into. THAT i,
THINK i, MEAN i don't know how the interview is gonna,

(01:22:20):
be BUT i can't think of a negative From clemson's
side of. Things it's gonna be a chance to highlight
your program in front of a bunch of different. People
not a completely different audience than, normal but a different
group for. Sure eight zero three four five zero zero eighty.

(01:22:44):
Six you could take advantage of that and be a
part of the program, anytime any, place. Anywhere our buddy
jamal double. Ow those guys hit us, up AND i
GOT i got my Buddy. James my Buddy james is
always Like, Swanny i'm gonna get. You i'm gonna hit you.
Up eight zero Three, james four or five Oh, james
zero zero eighty, Six, james you could call anytime and

(01:23:06):
leave a. Message we'll talk about what you want to talk.
About some people will, Say, swani why why don't you
go live? Anymore? Dude shifting the schedule is beautiful and
it's giving me a lot of flexibility with my. Family,
again speaking of, that don't. Forget we're off the air On,

(01:23:28):
monday all, right for A Memorial. DAY i hope you
guys have a Great Memorial day. Weekend, actually WHEN i
get off the air here, Today i'm gonna go do
some yard work real, fast and then we're off the
air On, monday and then we're off On tuesday as
well BECAUSE i gotta go to jury. Duty and then

(01:23:49):
the rest of the WEEK i guess will be kind
of up in the. Air so don't Think i'm. Gone
don't Think i'm, gone just Because i'm doing my civic,
right all, Right so we got to get out of.
HERE i was just looking at THAT Acc huddle special
With dabloswingy And Bill, belichick a one hour special feature
in the two coaching legends sitting down together for an

(01:24:11):
extensive Conversation, Wednesday may twenty, eighth at seven pm on
THE Acc. Network gonna be really. Cool it. Is sweeney
And belichick's first ever on camera meeting took place back
On may twelfth at THE Acc Spring meetings In Amelia, Island.
Florida so there you, Go sweeney And belichick a special

(01:24:35):
if you, will all, right we gotta get out. Here
thanks a. Lot i'll talk to you hopefully On. Wednesday.
Hopefully until, then as, always you'll take care now and
Go tigers