Clemson vs. South Carolina: A Rivalry Game Full of Grit, Emotion, and Milestones at Littlejohn Coliseum
Tuesday night in Clemson, South Carolina, wasn’t just another chapter in a long-standing in-state rivalry-it was a night packed with emotion, intensity, and a milestone moment for one of college basketball’s most seasoned coaches.
Inside Littlejohn Coliseum, the Clemson Tigers and South Carolina Gamecocks squared off in a battle that had all the hallmarks of a classic: physical play, momentum swings, and standout performances on both ends. From the opening tip, it was clear neither side was going to give an inch, and the energy on the floor matched the electric atmosphere in the stands.
Clemson guard Dillon Hunter set the tone early, slicing through the Gamecocks’ defense to put points on the board in the first half. Hunter’s aggressiveness in transition gave the Tigers an early spark and helped them establish rhythm against a South Carolina team that came in hungry to make a statement.
But that rhythm hit a sudden snag when Zac Foster, another key Clemson guard, went down with an injury after a hard drive to the basket. The collision happened near South Carolina guard Mike Sharavjamts, who had been active on both ends of the court. Foster’s injury was a gut-punch moment for the Tigers-he had been playing with confidence and poise, and his absence forced some quick adjustments from head coach Brad Brownell.
To Clemson’s credit, the team responded with resilience. Sophomore forward RJ Godfrey stepped up in a major way.
Whether it was powering through contact for a dunk, cleaning up the glass, or finishing strong inside, Godfrey played with an edge that gave Clemson a much-needed interior presence. He was relentless around the rim, showing off both athleticism and touch in tight spaces.
On the other side, South Carolina wasn’t backing down. Mike Sharavjamts had himself a second half to remember, including a highlight-reel dunk that brought the Gamecocks’ bench to its feet.
His energy and versatility were on full display-one moment he was locking down on defense, the next he was finishing in transition or creating off the dribble. He was a problem all night for Clemson’s backcourt.
Ace Buckner and Del Jones also made their presence felt for the Tigers. Buckner showed impressive body control on a pair of tough finishes near the rim, while Jones had his hands full with South Carolina’s physical guards but still managed to keep the offense flowing.
The frontcourt battle was just as fierce. Clemson forward Carter Welling and South Carolina’s Elijah Strong went toe-to-toe in the paint, trading buckets and rebounds in a physical first half. Welling’s footwork and touch gave Clemson some timely scoring, while Strong’s effort on the boards helped the Gamecocks stay within striking distance.
One of the more memorable moments of the night came before tipoff, when Clemson honored Brad Brownell with a commemorative ball for his 300th win as head coach of the Tigers. It was a fitting tribute for a coach who has weathered the highs and lows of college basketball and built a program that consistently competes in the ACC. Brownell’s in-game adjustments and sideline communication-especially in the final minutes-were a reminder of why he’s reached that milestone.
Also in the building was Clemson football head coach Dabo Swinney, who was spotted courtside with Tristan Smith, sharing a laugh as their image flashed across the video board. It was a moment of levity in an otherwise intense showdown, and a reminder of how interconnected Clemson’s athletic community truly is.
As the game wound down, both coaches-Lamont Paris for South Carolina and Brad Brownell for Clemson-were animated on the sidelines, barking out instructions and working the officials. The passion was palpable. This wasn’t just a non-conference game-it was about pride, bragging rights, and building momentum as both programs head into the heart of their seasons.
In the end, the night belonged to Clemson-not just for the win on the scoreboard, but for the way the team responded to adversity, leaned on its depth, and delivered in key moments. From Godfrey’s physicality to Hunter’s early spark to Brownell’s milestone, it was a night that will stick with Tigers fans for a long time.
And for South Carolina, there were plenty of positives to take away-Sharavjamts’ all-around performance, the fight they showed on the road, and the flashes of potential that suggest this team could be a tough out come conference play.
This rivalry delivered once again. And if Tuesday night was any indication, both of these programs are gearing up for compelling seasons ahead.