Clemson faced a challenging first half against Gardner-Webb, with the Bulldogs staying close. Coach Brad Brownell's intense demeanor on the bench showed he was urging the Tigers to step up.
The Tigers (2-0) overcame a tense closing segment in the first half to dominate the second, winning decisively 97-59 and maintaining their undefeated start to the season.
An 11-2 run early in the second half shifted momentum sharply in Clemson's favor, exploiting Gardner-Webb's errors and putting the game out of reach.
Clemson’s defense was relentless, disrupting Gardner-Webb despite the Runnin' Bulldogs showing decent shooting stats.
Turnovers were critical: Gardner-Webb lost possession 16 times, allowing Clemson to score 22 points off these mistakes.
"Clemson secured 22 points off of Gardner-Webb's miscues as the unit put together another strong night, making life difficult for opposing offenses."
Even though Gardner-Webb had made 11 baskets by the 15:53 mark in the second half, they committed 12 turnovers, illustrating the defensive pressure they faced.
Clemson’s offense was well-rounded, with multiple players stepping up to maintain scoring pressure throughout the game.
Author’s summary: Clemson showcased strong defense and capitalized on opponents' turnovers, enabling a decisive victory and maintaining their undefeated streak early in the season.