Clemson’s basketball team achieved a notable victory against N.C. State, triumphing 68-58 in a match held on Saturday. Chase Hunter was instrumental in the win, contributing 20 points, while Viktor Lakhin secured a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds. This victory allowed Clemson to equal the school’s record for the best start in Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) play, now standing at 10-1, a record shared with the previous year’s team. The Tigers, who boast an overall record of 18-4, are currently enjoying a six-game winning streak.

The game featured a thrilling exchange of leads, with Clemson expanding their advantage late in the second half. Free throws by Chauncey Wiggins, who finished with 11 points, pushed Clemson’s lead to 59-49 with just five minutes remaining. Following that, Hunter’s explosive plays, including a three-pointer, a dunk, and a mid-range jumper, widened the gap to 66-53 with two and a half minutes to go.

On the opposing side, Dontrez Styles excelled for N.C. State, scoring a season-high 24 points, which included an impressive six three-pointers on eight attempts. The game remained closely contested throughout the first half, marked by nine lead changes and each team managing to take the lead by as many as five points at different times. Clemson pulled ahead to finish the half with a slight 34-31 edge, thanks to scores in the paint by Lakhin and Jaeden Zackery, along with Lakhin’s tip-in.

N.C. State has faced significant struggles lately, suffering a six-game losing streak and winning only one out of their last nine matchups. The team will be looking to regroup as they head to California for upcoming games against Cal on Wednesday and Stanford on Saturday.