Buckner Shines in Clemson Debut; Tigers Dominate ‘Cats by 50
Clemson University men’s basketball began the 2025-26 season with an impressive 88-38 victory over New Hampshire on Monday night at Littlejohn Coliseum. The 38 points allowed marked the lowest total Clemson has given up in a season opener since their 58-30 win over Erskine on December 11, 1946.
Standout Performance by Ace Buckner
Redshirt freshman Ace Buckner from Dallas, Texas, who attended La Lumiere School in Indiana, led the Tigers with 18 points, three rebounds, two assists, and one block. He surpassed the debut scoring of his father, Greg Buckner, who scored 10 points, with nine assists and five rebounds in his first game for Clemson on November 29, 1994, against Charleston Southern.
- Buckner shot efficiently, going 6-for-7 from the field and 6-for-7 at the free throw line.
- RJ Godfrey from Suwanee, Georgia, nearly notched his third career double-double, finishing with nine points and nine rebounds.
- Jake Wahlin (Provo, Utah) contributed 11 points and four rebounds.
- Jestin Porter (Houston, Texas) scored eight points, with five rebounds and three assists.
- Carter Welling (Draper, Utah) also reached double digits with 10 points.
Game Flow and Team Contributions
Clemson finished the first half strong, closing on a 15-2 run in the last 6:16 to lead New Hampshire by 27 points at halftime, 43-16. A total of 12 players participated in the game for Clemson, with 11 players registering points.
“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, who posted 10 points, nine assists, and five rebounds in his debut in 1994.”
Author's summary: Ace Buckner led Clemson’s strong season opener, helping the Tigers secure their most dominant season-opening defense in nearly 80 years.