Overview
- Dillon Hunter hit two free throws with three seconds left to secure the 68-65 result after Clemson’s lead dwindled from 27 points.
- Clemson opened on a 14-0 run and led 38-18 at halftime, but Cincinnati won the second half 47-30 behind a surge that included multiple 3-pointers from Day Day Thomas.
- Six Tigers scored in double figures: Carter Welling and Ace Buckner 12 each, Jestin Porter 11, and Hunter, RJ Godfrey, and Nick Davidson 10 apiece.
- The victory moves Clemson to 10-3 as it ends its nonconference slate; the Tigers visit Syracuse to open ACC play on Dec. 31, while Cincinnati falls to 7-5 and hosts Lipscomb on Dec. 29.
- The result strengthens Clemson’s NCAA résumé, with rotation plans impacted by the reported season-ending knee injury to freshman guard Zac Foster.