Clemson started quickly with a 21-10 run and never looked back, beating Saint Francis 88-62.
It looks like the Tigers have knocked a lot of rust off since the first game. Overall, they played a cleaner game today, hitting an outstanding 58.9 percent from the floor and 44.4 from deep on 27 shots. Statistically, the only play with a "sloppy" stat was Ian Schieffelin, who had five turnovers. From a big, that's entirely too many. However, with a 16-point, 13-rebound double-double with the second-most assists on the floor tonight, Clemson will live with it.
Boston College transfer Jaeden Zackery tied Schieffelin for a team-high 16 points but bested the forward in assists with six. On the other hand, former Cincinnati Bearcat Viktor Lakhin dialed back his shot output. Against Charleston Southern, Lakhin shot 13 times and only made five. Night, he was limited to four, but he was perfect for eight points.
The second half was much closer. Clemson won the final 20 minutes by only five points, scoring 47, while Saint Francis put up 42. Part of that equation was points off turnovers. The Tigers gave up only seven before the half but gave up 12 in the next period. The Red Flashes were also red hot in the final 20 minutes, shooting 51.9 percent after finishing 27.6 in the first half.
In four days, the Tigers will take on Eastern Kentucky. The Colonels are 2-0 with wins over Eastern Tennessee and Alice Lloyd College.