Holmes’ 22, balanced scoring lead Clemson rout of Davidson

Avry Holmes poured in 22 points to lead a starting five full of double-digit scorers as Clemson got off to a great start in the Tire Pros Invitational with a 95-78 win over Davidson.

Jaron Blossomgame added 17 points and Gabe DeVoe 16, while Donte Grantham and Sidy Djitte chipped in 12 apiece for the Tigers.

Davidson made 6 of its first 10 three-point attempts in a frenetic first 10 minutes and trailed the Tigers by just a single point, 29-28, with 9:25 remaining in the first half. The Tigers then took control with a 14-0 run over the next five minutes and held a 13-point lead at the break. They stretched the lead to as many as 21 and never allowed the Wildcats to get closer than 12 as they cruised to a decisive win.

After its torrid start from beyond the arc, Davidson made just 5 of its final 30 three-point attempts as the Tigers clamped down defensively. Clemson, meanwhile, was an efficient 9 of 22 from three.

The Tigers also capitalized on the Wildcats’ aggressive defense, getting to the free-throw line 32 times and converting 26 of those opportunities.

Davidson star guard Jack Gibbs made his season debut, but Clemson held the nation’s sixth leading scorer a year ago relatively in check as he needed 18 shot attempts to post his 18 points.

Clemson’s 95 points were the most the team has scored under Brad Brownell.

The Tigers will face the winner of No. 11 Xavier and Missouri on Friday at 1:30 p.m. on ESPNU.