Clemson basketball vs. New Mexico score, highlights: Chase Hunter, Tigers win 2024 March Madness game

Clemson basketball begins its journey in the NCAA Tournament on Friday against No. 11 seed New Mexico in Memphis, Tennessee, at FedExForum.

The sixth-seeded Tigers (21-11) enter the round of 64 game in the West Region on nine days of rest after their one-and-done appearance in the ACC Tournament on March 13. They have reached March Madness for the fourth time in coach Brad Brownell's 14 seasons and the 14th time in program history.

"I'm excited. Obviously, this is what you want to be in," Brownell said. "You want to be involved in these kinds of games, these opportunities."

The Lobos (26-9) won the Mountain West Conference tournament and have three players — Donovan Dent, JT Toppin and Jaelen House — who received all-conference accolades this season. New Mexico is on a four-game win streak, holding opponents to 61 points per game on 34% shooting.

Clemson basketball live score updates vs. New Mexico

FINAL: Clemson 77, New Mexico 56

Clemson wins its first NCAA Tournament game since 2018 with a thorough victory over New Mexico. A team effort for the Tigers, led by Chase Hunter's 21 points.

Ian Schieffelin had 16 points and 12 rebounds for his 9th double-double of the season. PJ Hall had 14 points, most of that in the first half as the Tigers jumped out to a big lead.

New Mexico was held to 29% shooting and .812 points per possession.

Next up is 3-seed Baylor on Sunday in Memphis.

Clemson 71, New Mexico 52 with 3:56 left | Tigers closing in on a NCAA Tournament victory

Clemson's team defense has been very good in the second half. New Mexico has been able to get the line but is just 5-of-24 from the floor in the second half. Jaelen House fouled out after an Ian Schieffelin offensive rebound and will finish with 12 points. He was cited by many as the key to New Mexico's "upset" bid.

It's not been the best day for Joe Girard shooting the ball (2-of-12), but he has been key to breaking the New Mexico pressure. If Girard gets going on Sunday, watch out.

Clemson 64, New Mexico 45 with 7:42 left | Chase Hunter excels as New Mexico feels the pressure

New Mexico is starting to feel the opportunity slipping away. The Lobos are up to 10 turnovers, including four in a 3-minute span. New Mexico's Jaelen House, the leading scorer and centerpiece of the team's defensive pressure, has four fouls and is 4-of-14 from the floor.

Chase Hunter is up to 18 points and has been a steadying influence with Hall and Schieffelin's foul trouble. It's not been his best or smoothest season, but Hunter has been a big part of the Tigers' success today.

Clemson 51, New Mexico 38 with 13:18 left | Lobos on 8-0 run after Ian Schieffelin's third foul

PJ Hall and Ian Schieffelin both have three fouls, and New Mexico goes on an 8-0 run. Clemson will regroup. How long will Brad Brownell wait to get the duo back into the game?

The answer: Soon, at least for Hall. He'll return to the game after RJ Godfrey picks up his third. New Mexico is already in the bonus in the second half.

Clemson 51, New Mexico 30 with 17:11 left | PJ Hall has three fouls, but RJ Godfrey picking it up for Clemson frontcourt

PJ Hall picks up his third foul inside of the first two minutes of the second half, but RJ Godfrey has played well on the glass and defensively to keep the Tigers going.

Godfrey rebounded Chase Hunter's missed shot and dished to Hunter for a made floater to force a New Mexico timeout. The Tigers open the second half on an 9-2 run.

HALFTIME: Clemson 42, New Mexico 28

The Tigers hold serve with Hall on the bench with two fouls. Hall leads the team with 12 points, and five other Tigers have six points.

Clemson has held New Mexico to 2-of-11 from 3, and has 10 assists on 15 made field goals. New Mexico has benefitted from eight offensive rebounds.

Clemson 36, New Mexico 23 with 3:35 left first half | Tigers are cooling off but taking care of the ball

New Mexico forces a lot of turnovers with its defensive pressure, averaging more than 8 steals a game this season. But Clemson has just one turnover through the first 16 minutes, and New Mexico has no steals.

PJ Hall has 12 points but will sit with two fouls after an offensive foul call with 4:52 left in the half. New Mexico's Nelly Junior Joseph has 8 points and 5 rebounds, the only reliable offense right now for the Lobos and almost all of that working through post-ups.

Clemson 32, New Mexico 15 with 7:56 left first half | New Mexico is cold

Clemson's run got up to 19-2 before a midrange jumper by New Mexico's Nelly Junior Joseph. The Lobos are 6-of-19 from the floor, with the Tigers being physical around the rim. Clemson has hit 4-of-6 3-pointers, which helps, including a Joe Girard logo 3.

Clemson 25, New Mexico 11 with 11:32 left first half | Good start for the Tigers

Clemson starting well on offense, with PJ Hall scoring 8 points and Ian Schieffelin at 6 points early.

The Tigers defense has limited New Mexico to a 5-of-15 shooting start.

Joe Girard knocks down his first 3-pointer to push Clemson's lead to 14, not quite halfway through the first. Tigers on a 14-2 run.

What channel is Clemson basketball vs. New Mexico on today?

• TV: truTV

• Streaming: SLING TV (subscribe today)

Clemson basketball vs. New Mexico start time

• Date: March 22, 2024

• Time: 3:10 p.m. ET

• Venue: FedExForum, Memphis, Tennessee

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This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Clemson basketball live score updates vs New Mexico in NCAA Tournament