### Clemson Basketball Triumphs: A Season of Close Contests and Rivalry Victories Clemson's men's basketball team has recently showcased a series of competitive performances, highlighted by their victories over in-state rivals and a notable win against Cincinnati. The Tigers have demonstrated resilience, particularly in high-pressure situations, as they navigate a challenging season. Their recent games reflect both their offensive capabilities and defensive strategies, which have been crucial in securing wins. ### Breakdown of Recent Games and Performances 1. **Clemson vs. Cincinnati (December 21, 2025)** - Clemson secured a narrow victory against Cincinnati, winning 68-65 after building a significant early lead. Ace Buckner and Carter Welling each contributed 12 points, while Jestin Porter added 11 points. Despite a 27-point lead, Cincinnati made a strong comeback, led by Day Day Thomas, who scored 17 points, but fell short in the end [https://www.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/articles/clemson_starts_fast_holds_on_to_edge_cincinnati/s1_17048_43234749]. 2. **Clemson vs. South Carolina (December 16-20, 2025)** - In a closely contested rivalry game, Clemson defeated South Carolina 68-61. Freshman Ace Buckner led the Tigers with a season-high 19 points, supported by Carter Welling's 16 points. This victory marked a redemption for Clemson after losing to South Carolina in overtime the previous season [https://thetigercu.com/28270/sports/clemson-south-carolina-mens-basketball-littlejohn-coliseum, https://www.newsday.com/sports/college/college-basketball/south-carolina-clemson-score-t58368, https://www.kmjnow.com/2025/12/16/clemson-earns-bragging-rights-with-tight-win-over-south-carolina]. ### Key Statistics and Performance Metrics - **Clemson's Performance Against Cincinnati:** - Final Score: Clemson 68, Cincinnati 65 - Key Players: Ace Buckner (12 points), Carter Welling (12 points), Jestin Porter (11 points) - Cincinnati's Comeback: Reduced a 27-point deficit to just 1 point [https://www.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/articles/clemson_starts_fast_holds_on_to_edge_cincinnati/s1_17048_43234749]. - **Clemson's Performance Against South Carolina:** - Final Score: Clemson 68, South Carolina 61 - Key Players: Ace Buckner (19 points), Carter Welling (16 points) - Defensive Stats: Held South Carolina to 4 of 26 from 3-point range [https://thetigercu.com/28270/sports/clemson-south-carolina-mens-basketball-littlejohn-coliseum, https://www.kmjnow.com/2025/12/16/clemson-earns-bragging-rights-with-tight-win-over-south-carolina]. ### Conclusion: A Promising Season for Clemson Basketball Clemson's recent performances highlight their potential as a competitive force in college basketball. The team's ability to maintain leads and respond to pressure situations has been evident in their games against both Cincinnati and South Carolina. 1. **Resilience in Close Games:** The Tigers have shown they can hold on to leads, even when faced with significant comebacks from opponents. 2. **Key Player Contributions:** Freshman Ace Buckner has emerged as a standout player, significantly impacting the team's scoring and overall performance. 3. **Defensive Strength:** Clemson's defense has been effective, limiting opponents' shooting percentages and capitalizing on turnovers. Overall, Clemson's basketball team is poised for continued success as they build on these recent victories and strive for excellence in the remainder of the season [https://www.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/articles/clemson_starts_fast_holds_on_to_edge_cincinnati/s1_17048_43234749, https://thetigercu.com/28270/sports/clemson-south-carolina-mens-basketball-littlejohn-coliseum].