Clemson continues winning tradition in openers, blasts Charleston Southern

Chase Hunter scored 17 points, Myles Foster added 17 more off the bench and Clemson continued its dominance over Charleston Southern on Monday night with a 91-64 victory in the season opener for both schools.

Hunter made three triples during the final 1:42 of the first half to help the Tigers build a 48-24 halftime lead. The sixth-year guard (and preseason Second Team All-Atlantic Coast Conference selection) finished 6 of 9 from the field while chipping in five rebounds and two steals.

Clemson improved to 21-0 all-time against the Buccaneers. The Tigers also moved to 39-1 in openers dating back to the 1985-86 season.

Foster went 6-of-8 shooting with two blocks, while Cincinnati transfer Viktor Lakhin contributed 12 points. Senior forward Ian Schieffelin totaled a team-high nine rebounds to go with eight points and two blocks, and Chauncey Wiggins had eight points.

Eleven Clemson players reached the scoring column as the Tigers shot 49.2 percent from the field and 52.4 percent (11-of-21) on 3-pointers.

Drexel transfer Lamar Oden Jr. scored 15 points for Charleston Southern, which committed 18 turnovers and missed 14 free throws (13 of 27). Charlotte transfer Daylen Berry had 14 points, senior forward Taje Kelly grabbed a game-high 12 rebounds and freshman Keenan Wilkins had 10 points.

Clemson took control with an early 10-0 run, and Dillon Hunter’s right-wing triple on the fastbreak upped the advantage to 25-14 at the 7:49 mark. Clemson scored 13 points in the opening half off 12 Charleston Southern turnovers.

The Tigers continue their three-game homestand to begin the season on Friday against St. Francis (Pa.) University, while Charleston Southern travels to Jacksonville, Fla., to take on North Florida on Thursday.