Clemson 85, Stetson 72: Tigers Pull Away for Home Opening Win

Clemson opened its 2026-27 NCAA basketball season with an 85-72 home victory over Stetson on Nov. 3, 2026, riding a strong second-half surge to turn a competitive non-conference matchup into a comfortable double-digit win. The Tigers led 42-33 at halftime and used a decisive run early in the second half to move to 1-0, while Stetson fell to 0-1.

Game Overview

Stetson stayed within striking distance for much of the first half by knocking down perimeter shots and attacking the offensive glass. Clemson, however, answered with efficient interior scoring and free-throw line production. The Tigers shot 50.0% from the field for the game and made 20 of 26 free throws, a key margin in a game that was more competitive than the final score suggested.

Clemson finished with a 38-30 rebounding edge and scored 42 points in the paint. Stetson shot a respectable 44.1% from the floor and hit 10 three-pointers, but the Hatters were undone by 15 turnovers and a stretch of cold shooting early in the second half.

Key Moments

The game turned with Clemson leading 48-42 just over four minutes into the second half. The Tigers rattled off nine unanswered points, capped by a transition dunk from Cam Mitchell, to push the advantage to 57-42. Stetson called timeout, but Clemson kept the pressure on with a steady diet of paint touches and second-chance opportunities.

Stetson made one final push, cutting the deficit to 68-60 with just under eight minutes to play. Clemson responded immediately with a 7-0 run, including a corner three from Andre Dawson and a pair of free throws after a technical foul on the Stetson bench. The Tigers led by at least 11 points the rest of the way.

Tactical Story

Clemson’s size and physicality proved decisive. The Tigers repeatedly attacked the rim, drew contact, and capitalized at the free-throw line. When Stetson collapsed into the paint, Clemson’s guards found open shooters on the wing. Defensively, the Tigers adjusted to Stetson’s early three-point success by closing out harder and forcing the Hatters into contested mid-range attempts.

Stetson’s offense was at its best when the ball moved quickly and the Hatters played in transition. But Clemson’s ability to control the defensive glass limited second-chance points and prevented Stetson from stringing together enough stops to seriously threaten late.

Standout Performers

• Andre Dawson, Clemson guard: 22 points, five rebounds, and four assists. Dawson was the Tigers’ most reliable shot-maker and played a key role in the second-half run.
• Cam Mitchell, Clemson forward: 17 points and 10 rebounds. Mitchell controlled the paint and provided a steady interior presence on both ends.
• Blake Foster, Stetson guard: 19 points, including four three-pointers. Foster kept the Hatters within range for much of the night.
• Jordan Lee, Stetson forward: 15 points and seven rebounds. Lee was effective around the basket but was limited by foul trouble late.

Season Impact

Clemson gets a solid opening win against a Stetson team that should be competitive in its conference. The Tigers showed depth, size, and an ability to adjust defensively after a shaky start. For Stetson, the loss highlights the importance of ball security and late-game execution. The Hatters’ perimeter shooting will keep them in many games, but they will need to limit turnovers to pull off road upsets against higher-major opponents.