Boise State takes down Clemson basketball, first Tiger loss of the season

Mar 30, 2024; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Clemson Tigers guard Chase Hunter (1) reacts after the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the finals of the West Regional of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Mar 30, 2024; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Clemson Tigers guard Chase Hunter (1) reacts after the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the finals of the West Regional of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Clemson basketball split the home and away series with Boise State, losing its first game of the season, 84-71.

It was a game going into halftime. The Tigers were only down by one point going into the locker room. Chase Hunter was phenomenal, going 8-10 from the field for 20 points. The problem was no one around could help. Only five players scored in the first half, with Viktor Lakhin scoring the second-most points (6).

Boise State focused on Hunter in the second half, forcing the star guard to miss seven of his 11 shots in the second period. They were especially efficient around the three-point line, holding Hunter to three attempts. No one else filled the void after he was locked down.

However, the biggest difference in the game was free-throw shooting. The Broncos impressively knocked down 27 of their 30 attempts, while Clemson sank 15 or 20.

The Tiger be at home again next week. They face Radford on Thursday, November 21, at 6:00 PM ET.