Duke-Clemson: Blue Devils Try to Knock Off Tigers

The Duke Blue Devils travel to Clemson in a matchup between two top-10 teams. Duke rebounded from their loss a week ago by drubbing Virginia last Sunday. Clemson has had nearly a week off since a come-from-behind win in Blacksburg against Virginia Tech.

Records

Duke 19-2, 6-1, 3-2 (away), RPI No. 1
Clemson 18-2, 4-2, 10-1 (home), RPI No. 8

Series

Duke has won nine of the last 10
Duke has won the last five at Clemson

Players to Watch

Duke—F Kyle Singler, G Gerald Henderson, G Jon Scheyer
Clemson—G KC Rivers, F Trevor Booker, G Terrance Oglesby

What Clemson must do to win…

The Tigers have to shoot the ball well. In their loss to Wake Forest, Clemson attempted 21 more shots than Wake, but made one less. Also, Clemson has to guard the three-point line.

The Tigers are allowing opponents 34 percent shooting from the three-point line and Duke is hitting 34 percent of their threes. The Blue Devils attempts are down this year, but they still rank third in the ACC in attempts per game.

What Duke must do to win…

The principles for Duke are not that much different. In their loss to the Demon Deacons, Duke shot just 33 percent from the field and was a horrid 4-of-22 from three-point land. Also, the Dukies must be able to keep Clemson off the offensive glass, especially Trevor Booker. The Tigers average 15 offensive rebounds per game.

Prediction

I expect this game to be a hard-fought, physical game right down to the wire. I hope the refs are ready. Both teams have really struggled when they don’t shoot the ball well. I think Duke’s defense is a little better than Clemson’s giving the Blue Devils the edge.

Duke wins by 1-6 points


Other ACC Games This Week

NC State over NC Central, Tuesday
Wolfpack should be embarrassed if they lose this game.

North Carolina over Maryland, Tuesday
Maryland won this game in Chapel Hill last year, but not going to happen this year.

Virginia over Boston College, Wednesday
Stats say otherwise, but I think Virginia breaks its losing streak (and BC’s win streak) at home.

Wake Forest over Miami, Wednesday
This Miami team continues to disappoint and Wake will be hungry after their weekend loss.

Season: 10-12 SU through 2/2

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