Lelevcius, Thompson score 21 apiece to send Clemson past North Dakota

CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) — Liutauras Lelevicius and Chase Thompson each scored 21 points, Ace Buckner scored 13 points and Clemson pulled away down the stretch to beat North Dakota 92-77 on Monday in the first-ever meeting between the two teams. Thompson finished 9-of-10 shooting, making all three 3-point attempts, and Lelevicius made 9 of 9 from the foul line. Dylan Faulkner added 12 points for Clemson (3-0). The Tigers shot 31 of 47 (66%), including 9 of 18 from deep. Samuel Hincapie scored 22 points on 8-of-13 shooting, including 4 of 7 from 3-point range, for a spirited North Dakota (1-2) team. Luke Winkel scored 16 points and Zach Kraft 12. Kraft had three steals and North Dakota had 10 total. North Dakota shot 28 of 62 (45%), including 13 of 27 (48%) from long range. Not until Cole Certa made a 3 with 2:42 left did the Tigers record their first double-digit lead, 83-71. Nonprofit local news isn't free! It takes reporters, editors, and resources to do this work right. Your donation keeps that work alive. MAKE YOUR DONATION TODAY Hincapie's 3 with 10:18 left gave North Dakota its last lead at 58-57. Up next North Dakota: hosts Montana on Saturday. Clemson: hosts Georgetown Friday. Sign up for Top 25 poll alerts here , visit the Top 25 here and see AP’s full men’s basketball coverage here Donate now to support local nonprofit news in Lancaster County Newsletter Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. Sports Our daily sports newsletter, delivered at 6 a.m. Please enter a valid email address. Sign up By opting into newsletters you are agreeing to our privacy policy . What to Read Next