Clemson's Explosive First-Half Run Crushes Cal's Hopes
Tigers Secure Commanding Victory Against Golden Bears
In a compelling Atlantic Coast Conference showdown held in Berkeley, California, the No. 20 Clemson Tigers delivered an impressive performance, defeating the Cal Golden Bears with a final score of 77-55. RJ Godfrey and Ace Buckner were instrumental in Clemson's success, each contributing 13 points to lead their team to victory.
Clemson's Ascent in Conference Standings and Remarkable Streaks
This triumph elevated the Tigers' season record to 20-4, with a formidable 10-1 standing in the ACC, positioning them alongside Duke at the pinnacle of the conference. This win also marked their fourth consecutive victory and their thirteenth in the last fourteen games, further extending their impressive road winning streak to fourteen games.
Cal's Missed Opportunity and Interrupted Momentum
Conversely, the Cal Golden Bears, now with a 17-7 overall record and 5-6 in the ACC, failed to secure a crucial Quad 2 victory that could have significantly enhanced their prospects for the NCAA Tournament. Their two-game winning streak was brought to an abrupt halt by Clemson's superior play.
Fourth Consecutive Season of Twenty Wins for the Tigers
With this win, Clemson proudly reached the 20-win milestone for the fourth successive season, a testament to the consistent strength and strategic depth of their basketball program.
Decisive First-Half Offensive Burst Seals Clemson's Control
The game's turning point occurred in the first half when Clemson unleashed a remarkable 23-1 scoring spree over a period of 12 minutes and 40 seconds, firmly establishing their dominance and control over the contest.
Golden Bears' Offensive Drought and Tigers' Defensive Prowess
Clemson's stout defense played a critical role, exploiting a significant shooting slump by Cal. The Golden Bears endured a prolonged period of 7 minutes and 44 seconds without a field goal, managing only a single point from a free throw by Chris Bell during this challenging stretch.
Cal's Struggles from the Field and Turnover Woes
During their offensive struggles, the Golden Bears missed all 13 of their field goal attempts and committed eight turnovers, further exacerbating their difficulties against Clemson's relentless pressure.
Clemson's Resurgence After Early Deficit
Cal initially held a 13-9 lead following a 3-pointer by Justin Pippen, but this advantage quickly dissipated as Clemson initiated their powerful scoring run, completely shifting the momentum of the game.
First Half Dominance and Cal's Continued Shooting Challenges
Clemson extended their lead to 32-14 before Dai Dai Ames' layup momentarily interrupted Cal's shooting drought with 2 minutes and 41 seconds remaining in the first half. Despite a significant improvement in their shooting in the second half, where they converted 13 of 23 attempts (56.5%), Cal was never able to narrow the deficit to less than 15 points.
Top Performers for Cal and Individual Contributions
Justin Pippen emerged as Cal's leading scorer, achieving a game-high 19 points, complemented by five rebounds and two steals. Chris Bell added 13 points, while Dai Dai Ames contributed 12 points for the Golden Bears.
Clemson's Balanced Scoring and Efficient Shooting
For Clemson, Jake Wahlin and Carter Welling each provided 11 points, contributing to a balanced offensive effort. The Tigers showcased exceptional shooting efficiency, converting 55.1% of their field goals (27 of 49) and an impressive 12 of 26 from beyond the arc.
Rebounding and Playmaking Contributions for Clemson
Wahlin also led Clemson in rebounding with six boards, while Buckner demonstrated his playmaking abilities by dishing out four assists, further solidifying the team's all-around performance.