The Clemson vs. Miami matchup on Saturday afternoon was the perfect stage for Clemson men’s basketball to make a statement in their first ACC game of the season. With a gritty performance and a dominant late-game surge, Clemson secured a 65-55 victory over Miami, improving their record to 9-1 overall and 1-0 in conference play. The Tigers used a decisive 16-7 run over the final 5:09 of regulation to pull away, showcasing their resilience and ability to execute under pressure.
Clemson men’s basketball was led by standout performances from Chase Hunter and Ian Schieffelin, two players who have consistently delivered this season. Hunter scored a game-high 18 points, providing a steady offensive presence throughout the contest. Schieffelin, meanwhile, was a force in the paint, notching his fifth double-double of the season with 15 points and 12 rebounds. His contributions on the boards were instrumental in limiting Miami’s second-chance opportunities. Viktor Lakhin also came up big for the Tigers, adding 12 points and six rebounds while hitting key three-pointers to help Clemson maintain its edge.
The first half of the contest was a defensive battle, with neither side able to find much offensive rhythm. Clemson men’s basketball managed to head into the locker room with a slim 25-24 lead, leaning on their defensive intensity to compensate for a sluggish start on offense. Miami, on the other hand, struggled to capitalize on opportunities, allowing Clemson to stay within striking distance and set the stage for a dramatic second half.
Coming out of the break, Miami seemed poised to take control of the game. The Hurricanes built a game-high four-point lead early in the second half, briefly putting Clemson on their heels. However, the Tigers responded with a surge of energy and determination that would define the rest of the game. Clemson tied the score at 41-41 midway through the half, setting up a back-and-forth battle down the stretch.
One of the pivotal moments of the Clemson vs. Miami showdown came from Dillon Hunter, who had been quiet offensively all game. With the Tigers clinging to a one-point lead at 49-48, Hunter hit a crucial three-pointer while falling to the floor, giving Clemson a four-point cushion and igniting the decisive run that sealed the victory. From that point on, Clemson men’s basketball took full control, extending their lead to double digits and holding Miami at bay with stifling defense and efficient execution on offense.
After the game, Clemson head coach Brad Brownell praised his team’s effort in what he called a “hard-fought game.” Brownell credited Miami for their defensive intensity, but was proud of how his players executed late in the game. “Our guys really did a good job late in the game of execution… just made some plays to win,” he said. Brownell highlighted Dillon Hunter’s critical three-pointer late in the game, calling it one of the key plays that swung momentum in Clemson’s favor.
Brownell also acknowledged the challenge of preparing for this game following an emotional win over Kentucky earlier in the week. “This was a hard game for us coming off the emotional game against Kentucky. 9,000 people, crazy atmosphere, and to come here… it’s noon on Saturday. You’ve got to fight the biggest opponent, and that is human nature,” Brownell said. Despite the emotional and physical toll, Brownell expressed pride in his team’s resilience and ability to make the necessary plays down the stretch.
One of the keys to the win was Clemson’s defensive effort, which limited Miami to just 55 points. Much of that success was due to the Tigers’ ability to neutralize Miami’s Nigel Pack, who went 0-for-7 from the field. Brownell credited Jayden Zackery, calling him “a very good defender” and saying that his effort made things difficult for Pack. “He’s done that to a lot of guards this year,” Brownell added.
Clemson’s offensive execution in the final minutes was another key to their success. Brownell noted that his team “executed extremely well down the stretch,” which allowed them to maintain their lead and close out the game. “I think one of my guys told me we might have scored on our last 15 possessions,” Brownell said. He emphasized the importance of making plays in critical moments, praising his team for not only getting good shots but also converting them when it mattered most.
For Clemson, this victory over Miami was about more than just starting ACC play on the right foot. It was a testament to the team’s depth, balance, and ability to win in tough environments. The Tigers have now won six straight games, and their performance on the road in the Clemson vs. Miami matchup is a promising sign for their goals of competing at the top of the ACC this season.
Looking ahead, the Tigers will aim to carry this momentum into a marquee non-conference matchup against Memphis on Saturday, December 14, at Littlejohn Coliseum. The game, slated to air on ESPN2, will be another opportunity for the Tigers to prove themselves against a talented opponent and continue building their NCAA Tournament resume. With leaders like Chase Hunter and Ian Schieffelin stepping up game after game, Clemson is positioning itself as a legitimate contender in the conference and beyond.
The Tigers’ ability to perform under pressure, led by standout efforts from Chase Hunter and Ian Schieffelin, highlighted their potential to be a force in the ACC this season. As they prepare for their next challenge against Memphis, Clemson will look to build on this impressive win and continue their strong start to the season.
