The Clemson Tigers kicked off 2025 in style, cruising to an 85-71 victory over the Stanford Cardinal and extending their perfect start in ACC play. Fresh off the holiday break, the Tigers came out firing, showcasing one of their strongest offensive performances of the season at home.
Clemson was efficient on both ends, shooting over 40% from the field and from beyond the arc. The 3-point battle was key, as the Tigers connected on 8 of 19 attempts, while holding Stanford to a mere 29% shooting from distance. This perimeter dominance played a pivotal role in their comfortable win.
What’s even more impressive is that Clemson achieved this victory with their star player, Ian Schieffelin, having a rare off night. Despite the senior forward posting only 4 points and 4 rebounds, his teammates rose to the occasion. Viktor Lakhin stepped up with a stellar performance, adding 11 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 blocks to the stat sheet.
The spotlight shone brightest on Chase Hunter, who led all scorers with 22 points, including a solid 7-for-15 shooting effort. Chauncey Wiggins also had a breakout game, contributing 17 points and hitting 4 crucial 3-pointers, further showcasing the depth of this talented squad.
With the win, Clemson remains undefeated in the ACC, sitting comfortably at 3-0. The Tigers are poised to make some serious noise this season and could very well be the second-best team in the conference, with eyes on the Duke Blue Devils and Cooper Flagg as the top contender.
Next up for Clemson is a home matchup against the Cal Golden Bears on Saturday. The Tigers will look to extend their perfect record in both 2025 and ACC play, keeping their championship hopes alive and well.
