CLEMSON — Clemson guard Chase Hunter scored 18 of his 23 points in the first half to pace the Tigers to an 86-72 victory over Syracuse at Littlejohn Coliseum Wednesday.

The win was Clemson’s fourth straight, and its seventh in the last eight games. The lone blemish during this stretch was a loss at Louisville on Jan. 7. The win also keeps the Tigers a half game back of first place Duke in the ACC standings.

Besides, Hunter’s 23 points, the Tigers (16-4, 8-1 ACC) also got 16 points and 10 rebounds from Viktor Lakhin. Guard Jaeden Zackery added 14 points, five assists and two steals in the victory. Clemson also got 11 points, five rebounds and four assists from Ian Schieffelin.

The Tigers connected on 56 percent of their shots and was 45 percent from 3-point range, 9 of 20.

“It was a good win for us today,” Clemson head coach Brad Brownell said. “It was a good night for our offense. We played well.”

Hunter connected on 7 of 9 first half shots as the Tigers built a 48-29 halftime lead and never looked back.

“I am out there playing, playing free and just having fun,” Hunter said .

Clemson held just a 20-19 lead with 10:43 to play in the first half, but outscored the Orange 28-10 in the last 10 minutes of the half to take the game over.

JJ Starling scored a game-high 25 points to lead Syracuse, who fell to 9-10 overall and 3-5 in ACC play.

The Tigers held a 14-7 advantage in turnovers, which led to a 19-4 advantage in points off turnovers.

It was over when

The Tigers used a 12-2 run during a three-minute stretch in the first half to grab a 32-21 lead with 7:36 to play. Clemson got a spark from reserve guard Del Jones, who came off the bench to score five of the Tigers’ 12 points during the run.

“Del came in and made big shots,” Hunter said. “I am proud of Del.”

Clemson closed the half with a 12-3 run for a 48-29 halftime lead. Jones finished the first half with seven points and four rebounds. He finished the night with nine points, and was 3-for-3 from the field.

“Del Jones was terrific for us tonight,” Brownell said.

Season Tying Half

Clemson scored 48 first half points for a 48-29 halftime lead. The Tigers’ 48 points matched a season high. Clemson also scored 48 points in the season opener against Charleston Southern in the first half.

Injuries

Clemson reserve guard Dillon Hunter was listed as questionable for the game due to an illness. He did not make it on the court and sat out the game.

Brownell said after the game Hunter has the flu. He said Chauncey Wiggins is also battling from the flu. He scored seven points in 18 minutes.

Schieffelin continues to deal with his back spasms. He warmed up in a back brace before the game and before the start of the second half. He is also dealing with calf strains.

Despite the injuries, Schieffelin still played 37 minutes. After the game Brownell was pretty clear they still need him on the court.

Up Next

Clemson will hit the road for the third time in four games, as the Tigers travel to Blacksburg, Virginia to take on Virginia Tech. Tip is set for 5 p.m.