Clemson's Nick Davidson delivered a clutch performance, scoring 16 points and grabbing 7 rebounds to lead the Tigers to a hard-fought 66-64 win over Stanford at Maples Pavilion. The outcome was closely contested, with both teams trading baskets throughout the game. Clemson's victory marked a successful prediction by CHD Scout, which had forecasted a Clemson win by 6.2 points.
The first half saw Stanford take a narrow 32-30 lead into the break, with Aidan Cammann pacing the Cardinal with 11 points. Cammann would go on to finish with a team-high 19 points and 5 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to overcome the balanced attack of the Tigers. Clemson's Ace Buckner and Chase Thompson chipped in with 11 and 10 points, respectively, to complement Davidson's strong outing.
The second half was a back-and-forth affair, with neither team able to establish a comfortable lead. Stanford's Ebuka Okorie caught fire, scoring 12 of his 18 points in the period, but Clemson's defense held firm late. The Tigers outscored the Cardinal 36-32 in the second half, with Davidson's all-around effort proving to be the difference.
CHD Scout Report Card
CORRECTPredicted
Final
Clemson's win was predicted by CHD Scout, which had forecasted a 76-70 Tigers victory. While the actual score was lower than expected, the predictive model correctly identified Clemson as the likely winner. The Tigers' narrow margin of victory was a reflection of the competitive nature of the game, with both teams leaving everything on the court.
The outcome of this game has real consequences for both teams' tournament resumes. For Stanford, the loss represents a missed opportunity to secure a high-quality win against a top-50 opponent. The Cardinal's Quad 2 loss will likely have a minimal impact on their overall profile, but it does highlight the need for Stanford to perform well in its remaining conference games. Clemson, on the other hand, earns a valuable Quad 2 win that strengthens its already impressive resume. The Tigers' 19-4 record and No. 31 net ranking make them a strong candidate for a high seed in the NCAA Tournament.
As the season enters its final stretch, Clemson's win over Stanford serves as a reminder of the team's resilience and depth. With a number of tough games still on the horizon, the Tigers must continue to perform at a high level if they hope to secure a top seed in the tournament. For now, however, they can take pride in a hard-fought victory over a tough opponent, and the knowledge that their tournament chances have been bolstered by this impressive road win.