The Clemson Tigers (12-3, 4-0 ACC) continued their winning ways, defeating the California Golden Bears (7-7, 0-3 ACC) 80-68 in a competitive ACC showdown. Clemson’s offensive efficiency and balanced contributions from key players, led by Ian Schieffelin and Chase Hunter, proved decisive in fending off a resilient California team powered by Andrej Stojakovic’s stellar 30-point performance.
Clemson opened the game with sharp offensive execution, shooting 58% from the field in the first half. Ian Schieffelin delivered one of his best performances of the season, bouncing back from his previous subpar outing to score 21 points on 8-for-10 shooting while pulling down seven rebounds. Chase Hunter added 19 points, six assists, and four momentum-shifting dunks that electrified the crowd. Despite Clemson’s strong start, California stayed within striking range thanks to Stojakovic’s offensive brilliance. The sophomore guard shot an impressive 11-for-15 from the field and went 7-for-9 from the free-throw line. At halftime, Clemson held a narrow 39-36 lead.
In the second half, the Tigers found another gear offensively, shooting a blistering 67% from the field. Schieffelin continued to dominate inside, while Chauncey Wiggins added 15 points on 7-for-10 shooting, providing a crucial spark in the paint. Victor Lakhin, despite battling illness, gave Clemson valuable minutes off the bench, contributing defensively and helping the Tigers maintain their energy. “Victor just set a tone,” Chase Hunter said after the game. “He’s been fighting sickness, but his energy really fed into the rest of us.”
Clemson’s offensive versatility gave them the edge, with 18 assists compared to California’s six. The Tigers also outscored the Bears 42-34 in the paint and limited their turnovers to 12. Speaking about the team’s offensive rhythm, Schieffelin said, “We were just out there making plays for each other and having fun. Once we settled into our offense, we got into a groove and played with confidence.”
California, while efficient at times, struggled to find consistent scoring outside of Stojakovic. Jovan Blacksher Jr. added 15 points, but the Bears’ second-half shooting dropped to 42% as Clemson’s defense tightened. Clemson head coach Brad Brownell praised his team’s effort against a tough opponent: “Stojakovic is a great player who made some tough shots, but we stayed focused and made the right adjustments to slow them down in the second half.”
Chase Hunter’s leadership and ability to stay composed in key moments were instrumental for Clemson. Reflecting on his mindset, Hunter said, “I’ve learned to stay focused on helping my teammates and not get caught up in one-on-one battles. It’s all about doing what I can to help this team win.” Wiggins’ resurgence and growing confidence also stood out, with Hunter adding, “Chauncey has been staying aggressive and confident, and that’s been huge for us.”
Clemson’s offensive efficiency (62% shooting), dominance in the paint, and defensive adjustments ultimately proved too much for California. As the Tigers continue to blend veteran leadership with emerging talent, they position themselves as a force in the ACC.
Clemson returns to the court on Tuesday, Jan. 7, when it travels to Louisville for a 7 p.m. tip on ESPNU. The Tigers will look to extend their momentum and remain undefeated in ACC play.
