Andre Young led the way with 19 points as Clemson exploded in the second half and ran away with a 65-44 victory over visiting Gardner-Webb on Friday.

Milton Jennings added 10 points for the Tigers (1-0), who shot 54 percent (25-of-46) from the field and 7-of-15 from 3-point range.

Gardner-Webb stuck around for the first half, going into the break knotted up 29-29. But the Tigers put it all together on both ends after the break, outscoring the Runnin’ Bulldogs 36-15.

While the offense was efficient, the defense was really on display in the final period, holding Gardner-Webb to 24 percent shooting (5-of-21).

After making the NCAA Tournament for a school-record fourth straight year last spring, Clemson waved goodbye to seniors Demontez Stitt and Jerai Grant. Replacing that leadership and production will likely fall to seniors Young and Tanner Smith.

Young stepped up with the scoring on Friday while Smith filled the box score with 14 rebounds, eight points, eight assists and five steals.

Laron Buggs scored 14 points for the Runnin’ Bulldogs (0-1).