Clemson defeats South Carolina 68-61

Clemson Edges South Carolina in Thrilling 3-Point Shooting Showdown

In a back-and-forth affair, Clemson (HOME) emerged victorious over visiting South Carolina with a 68-61 final score on Wednesday night at Littlejohn Coliseum.

The game was closely contested from the outset, with both teams trading baskets and neither able to gain a clear advantage in the first half. At halftime, Clemson held a slim 34-27 lead, courtesy of Ace Buckner's 13 points, seven rebounds, and two steals.

The second half saw both teams continue to push the pace, but it was Clemson that managed to stay ahead. The Tigers' balanced attack, led by Buckner's 19 points and seven rebounds, proved too much for South Carolina to overcome.

Buckner's impressive performance on both ends of the floor set the tone for his team, as he also snagged one steal and added six assists. Dillon Hunter chipped in with six assists and six points, while Ace Buckner led the way in the paint with 19 points.

For South Carolina (AWAY), Mike Sharavjamts was the team's top scorer with 13 points on 55.6% shooting from the field. Meechie Johnson added eight points, six rebounds, and four assists to round out the game's standout performers.

The advanced statistics told a similar story as the box score. Clemson's efficient field goal percentage (52.1%) and true shooting percentage (56.1%) were well above those of their opponents (41.2% eFG%, 49.9% TS%). The Tigers also excelled in the paint, outscoring South Carolina 28-26.

In the end, Clemson's ability to stay ahead despite being outrebounded and outscored by a few points proved too much for South Carolina to overcome. The victory marked a significant test of the young Tigers' mettle, as they demonstrated their resilience in a hard-fought win.

The game served as a reminder that even on the road, Clemson's home-court advantage can be a decisive factor. With this win, the Tigers take a crucial step forward in building momentum for the season ahead.