
Clemson University’s men’s basketball team extended their winning streak to three games with a decisive 80-68 victory over the University of California (Cal) on Saturday night.
This win bolstered the Tigers’ overall record to 12-3 and maintained their unblemished 4-0 standing in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), positioning them alongside Duke at the top of the conference standings.
Offensive Efficiency and Balanced Scoring
The Tigers showcased remarkable offensive efficiency throughout the game, shooting 62% from the field, including 44% from beyond the arc (8-of-18), and an impressive 83% from the free-throw line (10-of-12). This high shooting percentage was a testament to their disciplined shot selection and effective ball movement, with 18 of their 31 made field goals coming off assists.
Leading the offensive charge was forward Ian Schieffelin, who scored 21 points on 8-of-10 shooting. Guard Chase Hunter contributed significantly with 19 points, while forward Chauncey Wiggins added 15 points, continuing his emergence as a reliable scoring option for the Tigers.
Second-Half Adjustments and Defensive Resilience
Despite a closely contested first half, where Clemson led by just three points (39-36) at halftime, the Tigers made crucial adjustments in the second half. They focused on reducing turnovers, decreasing from seven in the first half to five in the second, which limited Cal’s opportunities to capitalize on mistakes.
Defensively, Clemson aimed to contain Cal’s standout sophomore guard, Andrej Stojakovic, who led all scorers with 30 points on 11-of-15 shooting. While Stojakovic had a prolific scoring night, the Tigers’ defense managed to restrict the contributions from the rest of the Golden Bears, preventing any other player from significantly impacting the game’s outcome.
Dominance in the Paint and Rebounding
Clemson asserted their dominance in the paint during the second half, scoring 28 points inside and shooting an impressive 15-for-17 on two-point attempts. This inside presence not only contributed to their high shooting percentage but also helped in controlling the game’s tempo.
On the boards, the Tigers outrebounded the Golden Bears 32-22, marking the fourth consecutive game where Cal was outperformed in rebounding. This rebounding advantage provided Clemson with additional possessions and limited Cal’s second-chance opportunities.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, Clemson continues to build momentum in ACC play. Their next challenge is an away game against Louisville at the KFC Yum! Center. Maintaining their current form and addressing areas such as ball security will be crucial as they aim to extend their winning streak and solidify their position atop the conference standings.
In summary, Clemson’s combination of efficient shooting, balanced scoring, strategic second-half adjustments, and dominance in the paint were pivotal in their victory over Cal. These factors, coupled with a resilient defensive effort, highlight the Tigers’ growing cohesion and competitiveness as the season progresses.