I have had exactly that happen to me in a Citabria with a Lycoming
engine.

I suspect carb ice. Intesting thing about carb ice is in above freezing
temperatues as soon as the engine stops turning the Ice starts melting.
It would not have to completely melt, only enough to let the engine
restart.

Clearing the engine is mostly just a good way to ensure it is still
running.

Brian
CFIIG/ASEL