RALEIGH, NC - Shaw opened its 2025-26 season in dominant fashion Friday night, racing past Clinton 82-66 inside Spaulding Gym. The Bears set the tone early with a 46-point first half and never allowed the visiting Golden Bears to threaten after the opening minutes.

Darius Abraham and Isaiah Buckley led the way with 18 points each. Abraham caught fire from deep, knocking down six 3-pointers on nine attempts, while Buckley attacked the paint and added three steals, three assists and three rebounds.

Shaw showcased its depth and balance with four players reaching double figures. Tamari Rowland controlled the interior with 12 points and seven rebounds, including multiple dunks that energized the home crowd. Avery Huggins added 11 points, five rebounds, two blocks and a steal while shooting 4-for-9 from the field.

The Bears' defensive pressure forced 21 turnovers and translated them into 25 points, including 18 in transition. Shaw also owned the paint, outscoring Clinton 44-34 inside.

Shaw finished the night shooting 53.2 percent from the floor and 37 percent from beyond the arc while winning the rebounding battle 41-35. The win also marked a strong start for a lineup that saw nine Bears record at least one field goal.

Clinton was led by Jaden Scriven's 20 points and seven rebounds, while Cori Miller and Jordan Snipes Campbell added 11 each. The Golden Bears made a late push in the second half but never cut the margin below double digits.

With the win, Shaw improves to 1-0 and will return to Spaulding Gym on Monday, Nov. 17, to host Mount Olive. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.