Clemson out to build on solid opener with St. Francis in town

Fresh off last year's Elite Eight run and a convincing opening-night victory, Clemson looks to continue its momentum Friday, when the Tigers host the Saint Francis Red Flash.

The Tigers, a No. 6 seed in last season's NCAA Tournament, advanced as far as they've been in the "Big Dance" since 1980. Coach Brad Brownell's team returns three key members, along with several transfers who have already contributed.

Last season's most improved player in the ACC, Ian Schieffelin, is back for his senior year, alongside sixth-year point guard Chase Hunter. Both players from last year's 24-win team were named second-team preseason All-ACC members this season. Chauncey Wiggins, who appeared in all 36 games in 2023-24, also returns to the Tigers.

Clemson won its season opener Monday, topping visiting Charleston Southern, 91-64. Hunter and Illinois State transfer Myles Foster each paced the Tigers with 17 points. Cincinnati transfer Viktor Lakhin added 12 points, while former Air Force sharpshooter Jake Heidbreder chipped in nine points on three 3-pointers.

"Really good opening performance," Brownell said. "Especially defensively, I thought our guys did a really good job of doing what we practiced leading into the game. I think Chase Hunter did a really good job tonight of trying to get other guys involved. He probably even passed up a shot or two for himself. ... He played like an older player with poise. He was making the right play, finding his teammates and encouraging other guys."

Next up is the Tigers' first meeting with Saint Francis.

The Red Flash, of the Northeast Conference, lost their season opener at Dayton on Monday, 87-57. Reserve Jeremy Clayville led the scoring with 14 points, followed by Bobby Rosenberger III's 10 points and seven boards. Saint Francis hung around for most of the first half but allowed the Flyers to score 47 second-half points.

"It was a challenging first game," Red Flash coach Rob Krimmel said. "We did a good job in the first half, weathering those jitters to start the game. ... It's something to build on to be better next time out."

Saint Francis is 1-19 all-time against ACC opponents, with its lone victory an 80-70 win at Pittsburgh in November 2020.

--Field Level Media