Clemson, which ranked last in the Athletic Coast Conference in scoring last season, shot 17-for-33 from the floor in the first half to take a commanding 46-15 halftime lead. McDaniels finished 8-for-13 shooting while Demarcus Harrison came off the bench for 10 points.
The Hatters shot only 5-for-24 in the first half, including 2-of-11 from beyond the arc, and finished with 14 turnovers to stumble badly in head coach Corey Williams' debut. Senior guard Aaron Graham, who scored Stetson's first 10 points, led the Hatters with 11 points.
McDaniels opened the game with three straight 3-pointers to set the tone for the Tigers, who made 10-of-23 from 3-point range. Graham's jumper pulled Stetson within 13-10 before Clemson took command with a 33-5 run over the final 14:22 of the first half to put the game away.
Stetson outscored Clemson 36-25 in the second half but could not pull closer than 16 points in the final minutes. Raymone Andrews scored all 10 of his points in the second half for the Hatters, who fell to 0-7 all-time against Clemson.
GAME NOTEBOOK: McDaniels surpassed his previous career high of 17 points. ... The Tigers outrebounded the Hatters, 39-31. ... Clemson had four blocked shots, including two by forward Josh Smith.
Stetson | Clemson | |
Aaron Graham 11 | Scoring | K.J. McDaniels 20 |
Raymone Andrews 5 | Assists | Jordan Roper 4 |
Brian Pegg 9 | Rebounds | K.J. McDaniels 7 |
Raymone Andrews 4 | Free Throws Made | Rod Hall 4 |
Raymone Andrews 2 | Steals | Jordan Roper 2 |
Kentwan Smith 1 | Blocks | Josh Smith 2 |