Clemson’s Balanced Attack Never Trails, Builds 25-Point Lead in Opening Takedown of Stetson | Deadspin
Clemson builds early cushion
The Tigers scored the game’s first five points and went ahead 17-7 on a Chase Thompson 3-pointer with 13:25 remaining in the first half. Clemson closed the half with a 12-0 run, taking a 49-24 lead after two Cole Certa free throws.
Stetson never got closer than the final 13-point margin. Clemson improved to 1-0, while the Hatters began their season 0-1.
Buckner leads five starters
Buckner scored a career-high 20 points, including 12 in the first half. He made 6 of 14 shots and went 3-for-7 from 3-point range; he limped off with just under eight minutes left, though he did not appear to have a serious injury.
Dylan Faulkner had 16 points, 11 rebounds and five assists in his Clemson debut. Liutaurus Lelevicius and Certa each scored 13, while David Fuchs added 12 on 5-for-6 shooting. All five starters reached double figures.
Efficient offense, late response
Clemson made 25 of 49 field-goal attempts, including 9 of 24 from 3-point range. The Tigers had one turnover in the first half and eight for the game, while making 26 of 35 free throws.
Stetson shot 20-for-35 after halftime, a 57.1% clip. Collin Kuhl scored all 20 of his points in the second half, and Magnus Entenmann contributed 16 points and five rebounds. The Hatters made 8 of 9 free throws.
Key points
- Clemson beat Stetson 85-72 and never trailed.
- Ace Buckner led the Tigers with a career-high 20 points.
- All five Clemson starters scored at least 12 points.
- Stetson shot 57.1% after halftime but remained behind by at least 13 points.