Clemson men's basketball wins opener in blowout fashion

Clemson Men's Basketball Dominates Season Opener

The Clemson Tigers began their season powerfully with an 88-38 rout over the New Hampshire Wildcats, starting the year 1-0 in remarkable form.

Strong Defensive Performance

The Tigers’ defense stood out throughout the game, allowing just one successful three-pointer from New Hampshire in the first half out of 18 attempts. Clemson held firm control defensively, preventing the Wildcats from finding any rhythm.

Balanced Team Effort

Clemson displayed impressive depth, with 10 players logging at least 15 minutes on the court. Every player except freshman Chase Thompson scored, reflecting the team’s wide distribution of offensive contributions. Six players posted between 7 and 11 points, while none of the nine early contributors reached double digits.

Brownell’s Tactical Approach

Head coach Brad Brownell made early rotations, substituting all five starters in the opening minutes. This pattern persisted throughout the match, allowing fresh energy and sustained ball movement. The 50-point margin marked Brownell’s widest win in a season opener.

“I think you see that a lot of guys can contribute,” Brownell said. “I thought our starters did some really good things establishing the tone and the way we were gonna play.”

Standout Performance

Redshirt freshman Ace Buckner led Clemson in scoring, finishing with 18 points in 20 minutes on the floor. The Tigers also tallied 43 points in the first half, underscoring their consistent pace and command throughout the game.

Author’s Summary

Clemson opened its season with a dominant 88-38 victory over New Hampshire, highlighted by balanced scoring, effective rotation, and Ace Buckner’s breakout performance.

thetigercu.com — 2025-11-05