By: Cooper Scruggs
(Photo/Cooper Scruggs-The Mojo Network)
CLEMSON, S.C. – The Clemson men's basketball team concluded its last preseason exhibition game tonight, as the Tigers won 84-70 over Presbyterian College at Littlejohn Coliseum. With excellent games from Ace Buckner and Dylan Faulkner, Clemson ended its exhibition schedule without a loss before the beginning of the new season.
Buckner was the leading scorer with 21 points, five assists and four rebounds for Clemson, whereas Faulkner contributed with 20 points, eight rebounds and five blocks. In addition, Liutauras Lelevicius added 11 points as he made three shots from beyond the arc.
As soon as the game started, Clemson opened a 15-5 margin in the first few minutes, and Faulkner started off with seven points as the Tigers took advantage of Presbyterian mistakes.
Nevertheless, Presbyterian showed good fight against the Tigers in the game. After a quick 13-4 run from the Blue Hose, they managed to get back into the game by making two consecutive three-pointers scored by Erik Taylor and cut the lead of the Tigers to three points.
But soon after that, the Tigers got back their lead with the help of Lelevicius' third three-point shot of the half. Faulkner also made several buckets during the end of the first half, one of which was an alley-oop from Buckner that helped Clemson go into halftime leading with a score of 44-30.
Clemson maintained their double-digit lead all the way until the end of the second half but found themselves unable to close out the game. Several defensive breakdowns and turnovers helped Presbyterian to stay within reach.
Buckner made some more baskets for the Tigers and also assisted Faulkner with a bucket that helped Clemson take their lead to 68-51 in the second half.
But Presbyterian kept fighting back and cut the lead to 11 points with four minutes left in the game. Despite the late push, Clemson won the game 14 points ahead.
Clemson managed to shoot 52.7 percent from the field, but their percentage from three-point shooting was only 30. In addition, the Tigers were 20-of-29 at the free-throw line.
Despite their win in the game, there are still some areas where Clemson needs to improve, according to the performance in the exhibition game. They include defense consistency, three-point shooting and ball security.
This win comes after Clemson's 82-80 victory over Georgia on Friday, as Faulkner scored a game-winner layup in the final second.
Clemson will start its new regular season on Monday, November 2, as the Tigers face Stetson at home at Littlejohn Coliseum.