Clemson’s men’s basketball team wasted no time setting an early tone for the season, rolling past New Hampshire 88-38 on Monday night inside Littlejohn Coliseum. It was the kind of start head coach Brad Brownell had to be pleased with—a wire-to-wire performance where energy, depth, and defense all clicked from the jump.
From the opening minutes, the Tigers imposed their will. Their defensive intensity forced the Wildcats into rushed shots and contested looks that rarely fell. New Hampshire finished the game shooting just 25% from the field and a meager 15% from three-point range, as Clemson’s length and athleticism caused consistent trouble. The Wildcats often found themselves with the shot clock winding down and no clean options available.
Clemson, meanwhile, looked composed and balanced offensively. The Tigers shot 51% overall and 32% from beyond the arc, spreading the scoring around while maintaining a fast pace. They dominated the boards, winning the rebounding battle 45-30, though New Hampshire grabbed a narrow 8-7 advantage in offensive rebounds.
Sophomore guard Ace Buckner led all scorers with 18 points on 5-of-6 shooting, attacking the basket with confidence and finishing strong. He also knocked down six of seven from the free-throw line. Senior forward RJ Godfrey was the steady anchor inside, putting up nine points and nine rebounds while dishing three assists. Jake Wahlin continued the theme of balance with 11 points on an efficient 4-of-5 shooting night, including a pair of threes. Nick Davidson and Carter Welling both reached double figures as well, each contributing 10 points.
Clemson’s fast start was sparked by Dillon Hunter, whose early three-pointer ignited a burst that turned the game one-sided almost immediately. The Tigers’ early 16-4 surge set the stage for a dominant first half, and by the break, they held a 43-16 lead. From there, the game became a showcase of Clemson’s depth, with Brownell freely rotating players without losing momentum.
The Tigers owned the paint, outscoring the Wildcats 38-18 and consistently controlling the interior on both ends. Their aggressive style also drew plenty of fouls, leading to 41 free-throw attempts. While Clemson hit just 30, including a rough 16-for-25 in the first half, the ability to attack downhill and get to the line repeatedly was encouraging.
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For a team looking to establish rhythm and chemistry early, this was an ideal beginning. Clemson shared the ball well, totaling 13 assists and showing flashes of offensive fluidity. The Tigers will try to build on that effort when they host Gardner-Webb Friday night at 7 p.m., with coverage available on ACCNX.
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This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: Clemson Basketball Lights Up New Hampshire to win their season opener
