Buckner Shines in Clemson Debut; Tigers Roll ‘Cats by 50

Buckner Shines in Clemson Debut; Tigers Dominate Wildcats by 50

The Clemson University men’s basketball team began the 2025–26 season with a commanding 88–38 win over New Hampshire on Monday night at Littlejohn Coliseum. It was the fewest points allowed by Clemson in a season opener since December 11, 1946, when they defeated Erskine 58–30.

Strong Debut for Ace Buckner

Redshirt freshman Ace Buckner from Dallas, Texas (La Lumiere School, Indiana) led the Tigers with 18 points, three rebounds, two assists, and a blocked shot. In his first collegiate game, he even outscored his father, Greg Buckner (1994–98), who recorded 10 points, nine assists, and five rebounds in his own debut on November 29, 1994, versus Charleston Southern.

Buckner finished an efficient 6-for-7 from the floor, including 6-for-7 from the free throw line.

Team Contributions

Game Flow

Clemson closed the first half with a 15–2 surge over the final six minutes, taking a 43–16 lead at the break. By the final buzzer, 12 Tigers had seen the court and 11 had scored, capping off a confident season-opening victory.

Author’s Summary

Ace Buckner’s stellar debut and Clemson’s balanced attack powered the Tigers to a 50-point rout, signaling a strong start to their 2025–26 campaign.

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Clemson University Athletics Clemson University Athletics — 2025-11-04

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