The Clemson basketball team turned a tightly contested matchup into a statement win on Wednesday afternoon, defeating the Stanford Cardinal 85-71 at Littlejohn Coliseum. Chase Hunter led all scorers with 22 points, while Clemson’s defense, highlighted by 16 steals, dismantled Stanford’s rhythm and paved the way for a decisive victory.
The win improved Clemson’s record to 11-3 on the season and 3-0 in ACC play, marking one of their best conference starts in recent history. Head coach Brad Brownell commended his team’s effort and resilience, particularly in the second half.
“Stanford is a well-coached team that takes care of the ball better than most,” Brownell said. “But our guys wore them down with defensive intensity, and that was the difference.”
Brad Brownell
The first half was a back-and-forth battle, with both teams trading leads and momentum. Stanford came out strong, hitting three early three-pointers to take an eight-point lead just minutes into the game. Maxime Raynaud, Stanford’s standout forward, was a force in the paint, finishing with 14 points and 13 rebounds. Oziyah Sellers also contributed 20 points for the Cardinal, keeping them competitive throughout the first half.
Clemson, however, responded with balanced scoring and timely defensive stops. Chase Hunter and Jaeden Zackery combined for 19 first-half points, while Viktor Lakhin’s presence in the paint was felt on both ends of the floor. Lakhin, who finished with 11 points, seven rebounds, and a season-high five blocks, anchored the Tigers’ defense. By halftime, Clemson held a narrow 43-41 lead, setting the stage for a dominant second half.
With the score tied at 52-52 early in the second half, Clemson flipped the script. The Tigers’ 19-5 run, which spanned nearly five minutes, was sparked by an Ian Schieffelin layup and fueled by relentless defensive pressure. Dillon Hunter and Jaeden Zackery were instrumental during this stretch, combining for six steals that led to easy transition points. Zackery, who finished with 16 points, six assists, and four steals, was a catalyst for Clemson’s surge.
Chauncey Wiggins also played a pivotal role, scoring a season-high 17 points, including four three-pointers. His ability to stretch the floor opened up driving lanes for Hunter and Zackery, while his defensive effort on Stanford’s big men helped neutralize their inside presence.
“We’ve been working hard in practice, and it showed today,” Wiggins said. “Our defense set the tone, and we fed off that energy.”
Chauncey Wiggins
Clemson’s defense not only stifled Stanford’s offense but also created opportunities on the other end. The Tigers scored 25 points off turnovers and added 12 fast-break points, showcasing their ability to turn defense into offense. By the time Wiggins hit his fourth three-pointer with just under 10 minutes remaining, Clemson had built a commanding 71-57 lead, effectively putting the game out of reach.
Clemson’s defensive performance was nothing short of spectacular. The Tigers forced 17 turnovers, including 10 steals from Dillon Hunter (6) and Jaeden Zackery (4). Hunter’s six steals marked a career-high and tied the most by a Clemson player since 2016. “Dillon’s defensive intensity was contagious,” Brownell said. “He set the tone for us, and everyone else followed.”
Lakhin’s five blocks were equally impactful, as he consistently disrupted Stanford’s attempts to score in the paint. His ability to protect the rim allowed Clemson’s guards to pressure Stanford’s ball handlers without fear of giving up easy baskets. “Victor was amazing today,” Wiggins said. “His energy and effort on defense were huge for us.”
Stanford, which entered the game averaging just nine turnovers per contest, struggled to handle Clemson’s full-court press and half-court traps. The Cardinal shot 44.3% from the field but managed just 28.6% from beyond the arc, as Clemson’s perimeter defense forced contested shots throughout the game.
While Clemson’s defense stole the show, their offensive execution was equally impressive. The Tigers shot 48.3% from the field, including 42.1% from three-point range. They also converted 21 of 24 free-throw attempts, a season-high 87.5% clip that underscored their focus and discipline.
Chase Hunter’s 22 points came on an efficient 7-for-15 shooting, including 6-for-6 from the free-throw line. His ability to attack the rim and finish through contact was a constant thorn in Stanford’s side. “Chase was phenomenal,” Brownell said. “He’s been a leader for us all season, and tonight was no different.”
Zackery’s playmaking was another highlight, as the graduate senior guard dished out six assists to go along with his 16 points. His ability to penetrate Stanford’s defense and find open teammates was crucial to Clemson’s offensive success. “Jaeden’s energy and vision were outstanding,” Brownell added. “He makes everyone around him better.”
With the win, Clemson improved to 3-0 in ACC play, marking their best conference start since 2017-18. The Tigers will look to build on their momentum when they host California on Saturday, January 4 at 8:30 p.m. on ESPN2, in another non-conference matchup. “We’re playing with a lot of confidence right now,” Brownell said. “But we know there’s still work to be done.”
