No. 23 Clemson showcased their dominance with a commanding 72-46 victory over Florida State on Saturday, powered by Dillon Hunter’s career-high 17 points. The Tigers jumped out to an early lead and never looked back, securing their third straight win and continuing their mastery over the Seminoles with a sixth consecutive victory in the series.
Dillon Hunter was the star of the night, shooting an efficient 7 of 11 from the field as he led the Tigers offensive charge. Meanwhile, Ian Schieffelin provided a double-double masterpiece with 14 points and 12 rebounds, helping Clemson (21-5, 13-3 ACC) control the game from start to finish. The Tigers shot 47.5% from the floor (29 of 61), showcasing a balanced offensive attack.
Clemson’s defense was relentless, holding Florida State (15-10, 6-8 ACC) to their lowest point total of the season. The Seminoles struggled offensively, shooting just 34% from the field (18 of 53). Jamir Watkins was the only bright spot for Florida State with 12 points, but Clemson effectively neutralized Malique Ewin, limiting him to just six points and six rebounds. Ewin, who has nine double-doubles this season, was a non-factor thanks to Clemson’s aggressive defensive scheme.
Clemson set the tone early with a 10-0 run, building a commanding 22-7 lead midway through the first half. They led by as many as 27 points in the second half, showcasing their superiority on both ends of the court. The Tigers also dominated the boards, grabbing 11 offensive rebounds, which translated into 23 second-chance points.
From beyond the arc, Clemson was efficient, shooting 5 of 11 from three-point range in the second half, maintaining their offensive momentum and cruising to an easy victory.
Clemson will take a break before hitting the road to face SMU on February 22. Florida State, still searching for their first win over a ranked team this season, will look to regroup as they host in-state rival Miami on Wednesday.
This win solidifies Clemson’s position in the ACC standings and showcases their potential as a formidable contender in the conference as they gear up for postseason play.
