Ace Buckner hits five threes and scores a career-high 26 points as Clemson holds off American, 82-73, on Friday night (AUDIO)

Ace Buckner certainly was the number one choice for Clemson basketball on Friday night. The sophomore guard delivered a career-high 26 points to help Clemson pull out an 82-73 win over American at Littlejohn Coliseum. Buckner scored 19 of his points after halftime, building on his 20-point performance in the season opener against Stetson. He also established new career highs in both made field goals (9) and made threes (5).

Madden Collins paced American with 23 points on 10-for-20 shooting. The Eagles finished 13-for-28 from beyond the arc, while Clemson made 12 of its 27 three-point attempts.

Clemson improves to 2-0 with the victory and will host North Dakota on Monday night at 7pm.

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FINAL GAME STATS