Amber Aniston • January 5, 2025

Clemson Defeats Cal 80-68 to Extend ACC Winning Streak

The Clemson Tigers continued their hot start to ACC play with an 80-68 victory over the California Golden Bears on Saturday night at Littlejohn Coliseum. Led by Ian Schieffelin’s 21-point performance and Chase Hunter’s 19 points, Clemson improved to 12-3 overall and 4-0 in conference play. California fell to 7-7 overall and remains winless in the ACC at 0-3.


A Competitive First Half

The first half was a tightly contested battle, with both teams exchanging scoring runs. California’s Andrej Stojakovic carried the offensive load for the Golden Bears, scoring 17 of his game-high 30 points before halftime. His back-to-back three-pointers late in the half helped Cal cut Clemson’s lead to 39-36 at the break.


Clemson relied on efficient shooting to stay ahead, hitting 57.7% of their shots in the first half. Chauncey Wiggins provided a spark off the bench, adding eight points and securing key rebounds to maintain the Tigers’ slim advantage. Clemson’s ball movement was another highlight, with Chase Hunter dishing out three first-half assists to keep the offense flowing.


The Golden Bears managed to exploit Clemson’s occasional defensive lapses, particularly when Stojakovic found open looks from beyond the arc. Despite this, Clemson’s interior defense held strong, forcing Cal to rely heavily on perimeter shooting to stay in the game.


Clemson Pulls Away

The Tigers dominated the second half, shooting a blistering 66.7% from the field. A 12-4 run midway through the half, fueled by Hunter’s aggressive drives and Schieffelin’s scoring in the paint, extended Clemson’s lead to 12 points. Cal struggled to find answers defensively, as Clemson outscored them 28-12 in the paint during the second period.


Chauncey Wiggins continued to be a crucial factor, hitting a key three-pointer that stretched the lead to 15 with just under six minutes remaining. Clemson’s defense also clamped down, forcing consecutive turnovers that led to fast-break points for Hunter and Wiggins.


Cal attempted to rally late behind Stojakovic and Jovan Blacksher Jr., who combined for 18 points in the second half. However, Clemson’s composure and ability to execute in critical moments kept the Golden Bears at bay. The Tigers’ bench also contributed valuable minutes, with Alex Hemenway and Josh Beadle combining for eight points and strong defensive efforts.


Key Performances

Ian Schieffelin led Clemson with 21 points on 8-of-10 shooting and added six rebounds. His ability to finish around the rim and convert on mid-range opportunities kept Clemson’s offense consistent throughout the game. Schieffelin’s defensive presence was equally important, as he contested shots in the paint and grabbed key rebounds.


Chase Hunter contributed 19 points, six assists, and five rebounds, showcasing his all-around impact. His aggressive drives and leadership on the floor were instrumental in maintaining Clemson’s momentum, especially during Cal’s attempted comebacks.


Chauncey Wiggins added 15 points and played a crucial role in Clemson’s second-half surge. His three-point shooting stretched Cal’s defense, opening up opportunities for his teammates to attack the basket.


For California, Andrej Stojakovic shined with 30 points on 11-of-15 shooting, including four three-pointers. It marked his second 30-point game of the season and highlighted his emergence as one of the ACC’s top scorers. Jovan Blacksher Jr. added 15 points, 13 of which came in the second half, while Jeremiah Wilkinson chipped in 11 points. Despite their individual efforts, the lack of consistent support from the rest of the team limited Cal’s ability to close the gap.


Key Statistics

Clemson’s efficiency was a standout feature of the game, as the Tigers shot a season-high 62% from the field and 44.4% from three-point range. Their dominance in the paint was evident, outscoring Cal 48-26 in that area.


The Tigers also capitalized on turnovers, forcing 12 miscues from the Golden Bears and converting them into 14 points. Cal, despite Stojakovic’s heroics, struggled to maintain offensive consistency and shot just 35.7% from three-point range. Clemson also out-rebounded Cal 32-27, with Schieffelin and Hunter leading the way.


Historical Context

Clemson’s 4-0 start in ACC play ties the third-best start in program history. Head coach Brad Brownell also earned his 277th victory with Clemson, further solidifying his impact on the program. The Tigers’ ability to dominate in key moments and execute their game plan has made them a formidable opponent in the ACC this season.


For California, the loss marked their third consecutive defeat and their sixth in the last seven games. The Golden Bears, now 0-3 in the ACC, continue to seek their first conference win in their inaugural season in the league. Head coach Mark Fox emphasized the need for defensive adjustments and more consistent contributions from the team’s supporting cast.


Looking Ahead

Clemson will look to extend their winning streak as they travel to face Louisville on Tuesday. The Tigers are riding a wave of confidence and remain a strong contender in the ACC race. Key matchups against top-ranked conference opponents in the coming weeks will test their ability to sustain this level of performance.


California will return home to host Virginia on Wednesday in their first home game since mid-December. The Golden Bears will aim to regroup and capitalize on their offensive strengths while addressing defensive lapses. Stojakovic’s continued growth and leadership will be critical as Cal looks to turn their season around.


A Tale of Two Teams

Clemson’s 80-68 victory showcased their balanced scoring and defensive prowess, solidifying their place among the ACC’s elite teams. For California, Stojakovic’s stellar performance highlighted individual brilliance but underscored the challenges of competing in the ACC. Both teams now turn their attention to their next matchups, with opportunities to build on lessons learned from this encounter.

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