College Basketball

Clemson’s three-week run in the Associated Press college basketball rankings took a hit after getting swept in ACC action last week.  The Tigers (18-6) had advanced to as high as No. 19, but Brad Brownell’s bunch dropped out entirely after falling 62-54 at Boston College last Tuesday and then 78-74 to No. 21/23 Miami at home on Saturday. Clemson received the 29th-most votes overall with the Associated Press Monday.  When it comes to the NCAA Tournament, the Tigers are one of the last four in by CBS Sports and in the First Four play-in.  Clemson returns to action with a chance at a top-tier NET ranking win at North Carolina on Saturday (2 p.m./ESPN2).  Purdee remains the #1 men’s basketball team.   South Carolina beat a top opponent to remain No. 1 in The Associated Press women’s college basketball poll released Monday and now has a showdown with another one looming this weekend.  After facing Auburn on Thursday, South Carolina will play No. 3 LSU on Sunday in a matchup of the last two unbeatens in Division I women’s college basketball.\