Viktor Lakhin and Chase Hunter Play like Superstars
In a game that will go down as a signature moment in Clemson basketball history, the unranked Tigers pulled off a stunning upset over No. 2 Duke, 77-71, on Saturday night in Littlejohn Coliseum. This monumental victory marked Clemson’s first win against a top-two ranked opponent since 2001 and snapped Duke’s 16-game winning streak in the process. Fueled by stellar performances from Viktor Lakhin, Chase Hunter, and Ian Schieffelin, the Tigers showcased resilience, defensive grit, and timely scoring to outlast the Blue Devils in a game full of momentum swings.
The win not only solidifies Clemson’s growing reputation as a dangerous team in the ACC but also raises questions about Duke’s ability to sustain its dominance under pressure in hostile environments. Let’s take a closer look at how the Tigers clawed their way to this statement victory.
Duke wasted no time asserting its dominance early in the game, opening with six unanswered points before Dillon Hunter scored Clemson’s first basket at the 18:52 mark. The Blue Devils looked sharp offensively, building an early lead thanks to their disciplined ball movement and shot-making. By the first media timeout, Duke led 12-8, with their offensive execution keeping them in control.
However, Clemson refused to let the game slip away. Chase Hunter’s aggressive play, including a tough jumper with a foul, helped the Tigers stay within striking distance. Despite missing the free throw, his energy set the tone for Clemson’s fight throughout the game. Duke appeared to be in the driver’s seat midway through the first half, pushing their lead to 22-14 at the second media timeout, but every time they threatened to pull away, Clemson responded.
The Tigers’ 6-0 run at the 9:17 mark cut the deficit to just three points, 23-20, but Duke countered with their own 6-0 run to stretch the lead back to nine. Even as the Blue Devils dictated much of the first-half tempo, Clemson’s persistence kept them within touching distance. By the final media timeout of the half, Duke’s lead was trimmed to 34-30.
Duke closed the half stronger, holding Clemson scoreless in the final 2:10, and went into the break with a 41-35 advantage. Lakhin, Clemson’s standout performer, was a perfect 4-for-4 from the field, contributing eight points. Schieffelin and Dillon Hunter also played key roles, combining for eight points on perfect shooting.
The second half began with Lakhin asserting himself once again, scoring an and-one layup to draw Clemson within three points at 43-40. Duke maintained a slim lead through the opening minutes, but the Tigers refused to back down. The turning point came at the 13:16 mark when Ian Schieffelin drained a clutch three-pointer to tie the game at 49-49, the first tie of the contest. Moments later, Chase Hunter’s driving layup gave Clemson its first lead of the game, 51-49, at the 12:23 mark.
From that point on, Clemson flipped the script. Fueled by relentless energy and suffocating defense, the Tigers went on a 12-0 run over a five-minute stretch, holding Duke scoreless for nearly five minutes. Schieffelin’s second-chance tip-in and Jaeden Zackery’s three-pointer extended the lead to 56-49, sending the Clemson faithful into a frenzy. By the 7:30 mark, Clemson held a 56-52 advantage and all the momentum.
“We played about as well as we can play,” Brownell said. “Tonight’s about our guys really. Our guys mustering up the spirit and energy after a tough loss and really just doing what we needed to do to give ourselves a chance to win.”
Brad Brownell
With the game tied at 67 in the final two minutes, D. Hunter nailed a massive three-pointer to put Clemson ahead 70-67. Although Duke’s star freshman Cooper Flagg briefly silenced the crowd with a go-ahead three-pointer to make it 71-70 Duke, Clemson did not waver. Viktor Lakhin calmly hit one of two free throws to tie the game at 71 before a crucial Duke turnover gave the Tigers possession with 14.7 seconds left.
From there, Chase Hunter delivered the dagger. Sinking two free throws to make it 75-71 and then blocking a Tyrese Proctor layup attempt, Hunter sealed the victory with another pair of free throws to ice the game. The final score, 77-71, sent Littlejohn Coliseum into pandemonium and etched Clemson’s name into the annals of college basketball upsets.
Key Performers
Lakhin was the star of the night for Clemson, delivering an efficient 22 points on 9-for-12 shooting while adding four rebounds and two assists. His presence in the paint was pivotal, particularly during Clemson’s second-half surge.
“It was a great, great win for the team.” said Lakhin. “And I’m happy I could contribute and that we bounced back the way we did.”
Victor Lakhin
Chase Hunter’s all-around performance was equally vital. He finished with 14 points, seven rebounds, and three assists while making several clutch plays in the game’s closing moments. His defensive effort, highlighted by the late-game block, epitomized Clemson’s determination.
Speak on what was said in the huddle at the end of the game
Chase Hunter
We were just telling each other, finish the game. Get a stop right here. Or just one more stop and we win. We were just encouraging each other, knowing we were built for it. We are all older guys who’ve been in a lot of close games and been big games at that.
Ian Schieffelin rounded out the Tigers’ top contributors with a double-double, recording 12 points and 10 rebounds. His timely scoring and physicality on the boards helped Clemson control the second half.
Implications and What’s Next
For Clemson, this victory represents a watershed moment in their season. The Tigers proved they can compete with the nation’s best, and this win could serve as a springboard for a deep run in the ACC. With momentum on their side and a confident roster, Clemson looks poised to make noise in the conference and potentially secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament.
As the season heats up, Clemson’s upset victory over Duke serves as a reminder of the unpredictable beauty of college basketball. On a night when the Tigers roared loudest, history was made—and a new chapter was written in Clemson’s basketball legacy.
