Central Plains FFA Chapter

11/06 20:36 CST Ace Buckner scores 26 to lead Clemson over American 82-73 Ace Buckner scores 26 to lead Clemson over American 82-73 CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) --- Ace Buckner scored 26 points, Liutaras Lelevicius had 17 points and 10 rebounds, and Clemson escaped American 82-73 on Friday night. Buckner, one of just seven returners from last season, was 9-of-14 from the field and 5-for-8 from deep for the Tigers, and added six assists Dylan Faulkner had 12 points and Cole Certa had 10 for the Tigers, who only led by as many as 14 points down the stretch. The Eagles hung around for most of the game, powered by Madden Collins's 23 on 10-for-20 shooting. Wyatt Nausadis scored 11 and Julen Iturbe and Greg Jones each had 10. They led by seven points early in the first half, but Clemson took the lead on Lelevicius's 3-pointer with 6:14 left and never relinquished it. Dallas Thomas grabbed six rebounds and Chase Thompson collared five to help the Tigers earn a 40-29 rebound edge. Clemson is now 2-0 against American, and has never lost a game to a current Patriot League opponent in 14 attempts. Clemson and American last met on Dec. 12, 1977, a 98-58 Tiger win.

Up next American: at Drexel Wednesday. Clemson: hosts North Dakota Monday. ___ Sign up for Top 25 poll alerts here, visit the Top 25 here and see AP's full men's basketball coverage here