Clemson Tigers Triumph Over California
In a decisive matchup, the No. 20 Clemson Tigers triumphed over California with a score of 77-55 on Saturday, thanks to standout performances by Ace Buckner and RJ Godfrey, who each contributed 13 points. This victory not only extended Clemson’s remarkable winning streak but also positioned them in a tie for the lead in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) with the No. 4 Duke Blue Devils.
Current Standings and Upcoming Matchup
Currently, Clemson holds a record of 20 wins and 4 losses (10-1 in the ACC), while Duke’s record stands at 21-2 (10-1 in the conference) after suffering a narrow defeat against No. 14 North Carolina earlier in the day. The two top-ranked teams are set to face off next Saturday in Durham, North Carolina, which promises to be a crucial game in the race for the ACC title.
Clemson’s Impressive Road Performance
Clemson’s performance on the road has been impressive, as they have now secured 14 consecutive wins, tying them for the second-longest road winning streak in ACC history. The record is held by Duke, who previously achieved 24 straight wins from 1998 to 2001. During this latest game, the Tigers showcased their offensive prowess, shooting 55.1% overall and 46.2% from three-point range.
California’s Struggles
California’s Justin Pippen was the game’s top scorer, racking up 19 points, but his team’s efforts were hampered by a significant shooting slump. Early on, a three-pointer from Pippen gave California a brief lead at 13-9, but Clemson quickly responded with a dominating 23-1 run, ultimately taking a commanding 32-14 lead before halftime. Clemson, known for its strong defense, allowed only 20 points in the first half and capitalized on California’s struggles, which included nine turnovers and hitting just 6 of 25 shots.
Injuries and Future Games
Missing from California’s lineup was center Lee Dort, who sat out his fourth consecutive game due to a leg injury sustained in a previous match against Stanford. The Bears fell to a record of 17-7 with a 5-6 mark in conference play and must regroup quickly as they face Syracuse on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Clemson will take on Virginia Tech on the same day, looking to continue their winning streak and strengthen their position in the ACC standings.
