Buckner Excels in Clemson Debut; Tigers Defeat New Hampshire by 50
Clemson University men’s basketball started the 2025-26 season with a commanding 88-38 win over New Hampshire at Littlejohn Coliseum on Monday night. The 38 points allowed marked Clemson’s stingiest season opener defense since December 11, 1946, when they beat Erskine 58-30.
Standout Performances
- Ace Buckner, a redshirt freshman from Dallas, Texas (La Lumiere School, Indiana), led the Tigers with 18 points, three rebounds, two assists, and one block. Buckner outperformed his father, Greg Buckner, who scored 10 points in his Clemson debut on November 29, 1994.
- Buckner was efficient, shooting 6-for-7 from the field and 6-for-7 from the free throw line.
- RJ Godfrey from Suwanee, Georgia (North Gwinnett/Georgia) nearly recorded his third career double-double with nine points and nine rebounds.
- Jake Wahlin (Provo, Utah/Timpview/Utah) contributed 11 points and four rebounds.
- Jestin Porter (Houston, Texas/Cypress Ridge/Middle Tennessee State) added eight points, five rebounds, and three assists.
- Carter Welling (Draper, Utah/Corner Canyon/Utah Valley) also scored in double digits with 10 points.
Game Summary
Clemson finished the first half on a 15-2 run in the last 6:16, taking a 43-16 lead at halftime. Overall, 12 players participated for Clemson in the opener, with 11 of them scoring.
"The 38 points allowed were the fewest allowed by Clemson in a season opener since Dec. 11, 1946 when it beat Erskine 58-30."
"Buckner outscored his father, Greg Buckner (1994-98), who posted 10 points, nine assists and five rebounds in his debut on Nov. 29, 1994 against Charleston Southern."
Author's summary: Clemson dominated its season opener with strong individual performances and suffocating defense, marking one of their best season starts in nearly 80 years.
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