The Clemson men’s basketball team, under head coach Brad Brownell, is gearing up for an exciting matchup against Morehead State on Tuesday, November 11, at 7:00 PM at Littlejohn Coliseum. The game will be broadcast on ACCNX.
As the 2025-2026 season unfolds, it is still early to gauge the full potential of this newly revamped roster, but the Tigers have started strong. Following dominant season-opening victories over New Hampshire and Gardner-Webb, the team’s offensive prowess is becoming evident. Clemson scored 88 and 97 points in those games, demonstrating a newfound ability to secure comfortable wins that eluded past squads, which often struggled with narrow margins.
Last year’s squad had a remarkable 18-2 record in ACC play and notably defeated the Duke Blue Devils, but their postseason performance was marred by depth issues and injuries. The lack of contributing players affected their NCAA tournament run, culminating in an upset loss to McNeese State. This year, although the team does not have a player like last season’s dynamic Chase Hunter, it appears more balanced with multiple scoring threats.
Dillon Hunter, the only returning contributor, has yet to take on a leading offensive role, allowing for a diversified scoring approach with new players stepping up. Notably, Ace Buckner emerged as a key bench player, leading the team in scoring in the opening game and providing depth alongside Carter Welling.
Defensively, this year’s team boasts greater athleticism and versatility compared to last season. The return of R.J. Godfrey and the addition of Utah transfer Jake Wahlin enhance the squad’s ability to apply ball pressure and defend around the rim effectively, which will be crucial as the competition intensifies.
Struggling against power conference opponents earlier this season, Morehead State faced losses to Wake Forest and Georgia, indicating they may not match Clemson’s physicality. The Tigers’ frontcourt, featuring multiple players standing between 6’8″ and 6’10”, offers a significant advantage in rebounding and inside scoring.
Morehead State’s success will heavily rely on senior George Marshall, who averages 16 points per game. He will likely draw defensive attention from multiple Clemson players. Coach Brownell’s reputation for neutralizing top scorers could challenge Marshall’s effectiveness, but it also leaves room for other players to potentially shine.
While the upcoming game serves as a litmus test for the chemistry and capabilities of this year’s Tigers, fans are hopeful as they see young talents developing within a promising new lineup. KenPom predicts a confident 86-61 victory for Clemson, with expectations that they may well surpass the 90-point mark again, given their current form and teamwork demonstrated in earlier games. As they seek to avenge last season’s NIT loss to Morehead State, the anticipation is building for an engaging showdown at Littlejohn Coliseum.