Clemson defeated the Texas-San Antonio Roadrunners 78-45 for their second win of the season.

The Tigers established a lead in the first minute of the game as a result of their success when shooting from behind the 3-point line.

Donte Grantham nailed a 3-point shot within the first 20 seconds of the game, and he ended the night as the leading scorer, contributing 22 of Clemson’s 78 points. Grantham made 5-of-7 3-point attempts, and his early success helped establish a steady rhythm.

Three other players accounted for double-digit point totals.Jordan Roper trailed Grantham with 13 total points and made two shots from outside the 3-point line. Both Gabe DeVoe and Jaron Blossomgame ended the night with 11 points. DeVoe found success from deep by sinking three 3s in the first half.

“When you shoot like that early, it just builds your confidence. It was great to see Donte, Gabe make some early ones, Jordan Roper. Guys were scoring from 3. We certainly shot the ball very well,” head coach Brad Brownell said.

Clemson has outscored its first two opponents in the regular season by at least 33 points, and it’s evident that there’s been an improvement in shooting accuracy from the 3-point line. The Tigers finished 12-of-25 on 3-pointers. They made four of their first five attempts.

“Last year, we struggled a lot from the three point line, and I think this year, we have a good chance of shooting the ball from the three,” DeVoe said.

Grantham believes that the explosive offensive start helped Clemson secure their rhythm.

“With every player, I feel like if you come and miss your first few shots, you get to the free-throw line and you see that one free throw go in, it’s a confidence booster,” Grantham said. “The next time you get that look, you’re going to be more confident and knock it in.”

Although Grantham had a successful freshman season, leading the team with 41 3-pointers, the sophomore feels even more comfortable in his role this season. The forward is averaging 16.5 points per game two games into the season.

“I just feel real comfortable now that I have a year under my belt. I know everything and what’s going on. I just feel real comfortable, and I’m just ready to get some wins,” Grantham said.

DeVoe is making improvements as well. In the opener against North Carolina Central, he did not make a single basket until the second half. In Clemson’s exhibition game against Lenoir-Rhyne, the sophomore only made one shot. Although he scored all 11 of his points in the first half against UTSA, he believes that his early success helped him gain confidence.

“It definitely helps to get a rhythm in the game, when you see the first couple of shots going in,” DeVoe said. “Last game, I couldn’t hit anything early on, but this game I came out and knocked a few down. It just helps you put a little more pep in your step.”

Brownell likes the progress, too.

“Guys are moving the ball, shooting it well. Yeah, I’m pleased. I like the way we’re playing,” he said.