Clemson Men's Basketball Dominates Season Opener
The Clemson Tigers opened their season with a commanding 88–38 victory over the New Hampshire Wildcats, showcasing both depth and defensive strength. The team’s defense held New Hampshire to just one made three-pointer out of 18 attempts in the first half.
Balanced Team Effort
Clemson spread scoring responsibilities across the roster, with 10 players logging at least 15 minutes on the floor. None of the nine active players scored in double digits during the first half, yet the team still put up 43 points before the break. Freshman Chase Thompson was the only Tiger who didn’t score, as all 12 active players took the court.
Coaching Strategy
Head coach Brad Brownell diversified his lineup early, substituting all five starters within the first five minutes. This rotation pattern continued throughout the game, contributing to a well-distributed offensive performance, with six players finishing between 7 and 11 points.
“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.”
Historic Win Margin
The 50-point margin marked the largest season-opening victory in Brownell’s tenure. Redshirt freshman Ace Buckner led the team with 18 points in 20 minutes, setting a promising tone for Clemson’s season ahead.
Author’s summary: Clemson began its season with depth, defense, and balance, cruising to a 50-point win that showcased team-wide contributions and Brownell’s tactical depth.