Clemson Opens Season With 85-72 Win Over Stetson
Clemson beat Stetson 85-72 in a men’s basketball season opener in Clemson, South Carolina, on November 2. Ace Buckner scored 20 points for the Tigers.
Buckner led Clemson with 20 points as the Tigers built a commanding halftime advantage and held off Stetson in their season opener on November 2. Dylan Faulkner added 16 points and 11 rebounds, along with five assists, two blocks and a steal. He made seven of his eight shots.
Clemson led 49-24 at the break after shooting 51% and committing just one turnover. The Tigers pulled away with a 12-point run to close the first half, while Stetson missed seven consecutive shots. Clemson also gained a major advantage at the free-throw line, making 26 of 35 attempts; Stetson went 8 for 9.
The Hatters shot 57% in the second half and outscored Clemson after halftime, but could not erase the deficit. Stetson’s Collin Kuhl scored 20 points, and Magnus Entenmann had 16. The Hatters held a 44-30 edge in points in the paint, including a 34-10 advantage in the second half. They cut the margin to 15 before Bankston Pourchier scored the final five points in the closing minute.
Cole Certa contributed 13 points and six assists for Clemson. Liutauras Lelevicius also scored 13, while David Fuchs had 12. Stetson is scheduled to visit South Carolina on November 3. Clemson’s next game is at home against American on November 6.