Clemson opens season with dominant win
The Clemson Tigers launched their season with a decisive 88–38 victory over the New Hampshire Wildcats, moving to a 1–0 record. Their defense was stellar, allowing only one successful three-pointer on 18 attempts in the first half.
Balanced offensive effort
Clemson showcased remarkable depth, with 10 players logging at least 15 minutes on the court. Despite nine different scorers in the first half, none reached double figures at that stage. In total, six players finished between seven and eleven points by the end of the game. Every Tiger who played scored except freshman Chase Thompson.
Brownell’s rotation strategy
Head coach Brad Brownell utilized his roster early and frequently, substituting all five starters within the first five minutes. Twelve players saw action, marking an unusual level of rotation compared to previous seasons. The 50-point margin stands as Brownell’s largest victory 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 the team with 18 points in 20 minutes, highlighting Clemson’s depth and energy on both ends of the floor. The Tigers put up 43 points in the opening half, setting the tone for a commanding performance.
Author’s summary: Clemson’s season debut demonstrated depth, defensive pressure, and energy under coach Brad Brownell, capping the night with a record 50-point win.