Tigers Finish 2025 with 64-61 Win in ACC Opener at Syracuse
RJ Godfrey and Dillon Hunter reach double-figures in the victory
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Clemson University men’s basketball put a wrap on the 2025 calendar year with a 64-61 win at Syracuse to open ACC play on New Year’s Eve.
The Tigers (11-3, 1-0 ACC) were led by RJ Godfrey (Suwanee, Ga./North Gwinnett/Georgia) who finished with 14 points, two rebounds, one assist and one steal. Dillon Hunter (Atlanta, Ga./Westlake) totaled 10 points, including two massive 3-pointers on consecutive possessions.
Clemson led Syracuse 29-28 after the opening stanza. The Tigers built a game-high 10-point lead at 43-33 with 13:52 remaining in the contest.
The Orange, who were led by Donnie Freeman’s 18 points and nine rebounds, closed the game to just four points at 51-47 in favor of Clemson, but Hunter delivered back-to-back 3-pointers on consecutive possessions to build and conserve a seven-point advantage.
Clemson was able to hold on late and claim its first league win of the season on the road.
The Tigers scored 46 of their 64 points in the paint, which was key to the game with the Orange shooting 12 more free throws and finishing 20-for-24 from the line.
Godfrey finished 7-for-9 from the floor en route to his team-leading 14 points. Jestin Porter (Houston, Texas/Cypress Ridge/Middle Tennessee State) added nine points, while Carter Welling (Draper, Utah/Corner Canyon/Utah Valley) totaled seven points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals and Jake Wahlin (Provo, Utah/Timpview/Utah) added six points and five rebounds to go with a block and an assist.
Ace Buckner (Dallas, Texas/La Lumiere School (Ind.) scored eight of Clemson’s 18 bench points.
Clemson has a short turnaround and returns to the floor on Saturday, Jan. 3 when it travels to Pittsburgh for a 12 p.m. tip. The game will be televised on The CW.
