Buckner Shines in Clemson Debut; Tigers Defeat ‘Cats by 50
Clemson University men’s basketball started the 2025-26 season with a commanding 88-38 victory over New Hampshire on Monday night at Littlejohn Coliseum. The 38 points allowed marked the fewest surrendered by Clemson in a season opener since December 11, 1946, when they beat Erskine 58-30.
Standout Performances
The Tigers (1-0) were led by redshirt freshman Ace Buckner from Dallas, Texas, and La Lumiere School in Indiana. Buckner posted 18 points, three rebounds, two assists, and one blocked shot, outscoring his father, Greg Buckner (1994-98), who had 10 points, nine assists, and five rebounds in his debut on November 29, 1994, against Charleston Southern.
"Buckner finished an efficient 6-for-7 from the floor, including 6-for-7 from the free throw line."
RJ Godfrey from Suwanee, Georgia, and North Gwinnett/Georgia nearly recorded his third career double-double with nine points and nine rebounds. Other contributors included Jake Wahlin (Provo, Utah/Timpview/Utah) with 11 points and four rebounds, Jestin Porter (Houston, Texas/Cypress Ridge/Middle Tennessee State) with eight points, five rebounds, and three assists, and Carter Welling (Draper, Utah/Corner Canyon/Utah Valley) who scored 10 points.
Game Summary
Clemson ended the first half with a 15-2 run over the final 6:16, leading New Hampshire by 27 points at halftime, 43-16. A total of 12 players participated in the game, and 11 contributed to the scoring.
Author’s summary: Ace Buckner led Clemson’s dominant season-opening win with efficient scoring, while the team’s defense restricted New Hampshire to just 38 points.