Redshirt freshman guard Ace Buckner brought back memories of his famous dad Greg with 18 points off the bench as Clemson blew out New Hampshire 88-38 in the season opener at Littlejohn Coliseum. Buckner was 6-7 from the floor and 6-7 from the line in his first official game for the Tigers while sporting his father’s jersey #21.
Brad Brownell started four players who were not in his program last season, though RJ Godfrey had played for him in the past. The only true returner in the starting lineup was guard Dillon Hunter. The rest of the starting five were guard Jestin Porter, forward Jake Wahllin and forward Nick Davidson.
Brownell ran 12 players onto the floor, and all but one put in double digit minutes. All but one scored.
The Tigers went up by 10 points six minutes in, and held a double digit lead the rest of the way peaking at 52 points in the final half minute.
The Tigers shot 51% for the game. They made only six from three-point range, but made up for that with 30 points from the foul line. The Wildcats were whistled for 28 fouls compared to 15 against the Tigers. The Tigers held the Wildcats to 25% shooting, and scored 20 points off of 13 turnovers.
The Tigers are back at home Friday night against Gardner-Webb.
Final Stats
When did Brad Brownell turn into Dawn Staley?