CLEMSON, S.C. — Cliff Hammonds scored 22 points, shooting 4-of-6 on 3-pointers, to lead Clemson to a 82-67 victory over Georgia Tech on Thursday night.

The Tigers (18-6, 6-4 Atlantic Coast Conference) scored the first eight points of the game and never trailed as they moved into a tie for third place in the ACC and improved their chances to make their first NCAA tournament since 1998.

The Yellow Jackets (11-12, 4-5) made just 2-of-15 3-pointers and had their three-game road ACC winning streak broken.

Clemson quickly shook off any hangover from a heartbreaking double-overtime loss Sunday at North Carolina, leading by as many as 14 in the first half, before taking a 43-31 lead at the break.

The Tigers opened the second half on a 18-8 run and led 61-39 with 11:48 to play.

Clemson won in part by making its free throws. The Tigers averaged 62.3 percent from the foul line coming in, but made 71.9 percent (23-of-32) of its attempts Thursday night.

Georgia Tech outrebounded the Tigers 39-31, but Clemson overcame the deficit by shooting 51 percent (26-of-51) from the field and 7-of-16 (43.8 percent) on 3-pointers.

Zack Peacock scored 12 points to lead the Yellow Jackets, while Jeremis Smith added 10 points and nine rebounds.

Demontez Stitt added 13 points and James Mays had 11 points and eight rebound for the Tigers.