Clemson kicked off its basketball season with an 85-72 win over Stetson on Monday night.

The Tigers were led by Ace Buckner’s 20 points, while Dylan Faulkner (16), Cole Certa (13), Liutauras Lelevicius (13) and David Fuchs (12) also reached the double-digit mark in scoring.

With one game in the books, ESPN’s Jay Bilas ranks Clemson No. 53 in The Bilas Index, which is sixth among ACC teams.

“Brad Brownell’s hopes this season rest on two key players: Dillon Hunter (7.1 PPG), who is awaiting eligibility via the legal courts, and Carter Welling (10.2 PPG), who is recovering from an ACL tear suffered in March,” Bilas wrote. “The Tigers have made the past three NCAA tournaments, and last season were top-25 in defensive adjusted efficiency. If everything combines just right, Clemson could challenge the top tier of the ACC.”

Fellow ACC member Duke sits atop the rankings.

“The Blue Devils have won 35 games and had the player of the year in each of the past two seasons, but this season’s squad might prove to be Jon Scheyer’s best,” wrote Bilas. “Duke is the deepest and most talented team in the nation. It has legitimate size up front, lengthy and athletic wings, and the ability to pressure the ball to disrupt opposing offenses. Patrick Ngongba II (10.1 points, 5.8 rebounds last season) and freshman Joaquim Boumtje Boumtje can own the middle and still stretch the floor. Dame Sarr can frustrate point guards with his on-ball defense. Freshman Deron Rippey Jr. is one of the best athletes in the country and changes the game when he comes in, and Wisconsin transfer John Blackwell brings consistent scoring (19.1 points last season). It doesn’t have to be the same guy doing everything for Duke every game. Duke can play small, big or really big. The Blue Devils are not unbeatable, but no other team has this many quality weapons.”

Along with the Blue Devils, Virginia (9), Miami (14), Louisville (15) and UNC (30) also rank ahead of the Tigers.

Clemson returns to the court on Friday night against American. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. and the game will be streamed on ACCNX.