Faulkner’s buzzer-beater lifts Clemson men’s basketball over Georgia 82-80

Clemson University’s men’s basketball team secured an 82-80 victory against Georgia in their first exhibition game of the 2026-27 season on Friday night at Littlejohn Coliseum.

Dylan Faulkner led the Tigers with 21 points, seven rebounds, and five assists in 26 minutes, including a buzzer-beating layup that clinched the win. Faulkner scored 15 points in the first half alone, posting a rare stat line of 15 points, five rebounds, and four assists in one half.

Dallas Thomas contributed a career-high 18 points, shooting efficiently in the second half, while Cole Certa added 14 points with three 3-pointers and a perfect free throw record. Chase Thompson also had a strong game with 10 points and seven rebounds.

Clemson held a lead for most of the game, with Georgia closing the gap late to tie the score at 80 with 13 seconds remaining. Faulkner missed a mid-range jump shot and followed the rebound to retain possession in the final seconds, helping secure the win for the Tigers at home.

The team’s next games and season schedule were not detailed in the report.