The Tigers welcome in state rival UofSC to town today as they look to win their fourth straight over the Gamecocks. Clemson is sitting at 5-4 and find themselves currently in the midst of a three game losing streak, all three coming to Top 100 teams. The Gamecocks come in at 6-4, and this is a home game the Tigers can not afford to drop.
The Gamecocks have two young guards in AJ Lawson and Jermaine Cousinard that must be contained. Brad Brownell will need to come in with a gameplan that forces them into settling for perimeter shots, as they have not shown themselves to be consistent shooting from the outside. They are much better when they are driving and scoring inside the paint. UofSC also has Maik Kotsar, the 6’11 senior big man, who can do damage inside the paint or step outside and hit one from deep.
As usual, if Clemson is going to win, their best shot is having Aamir Simms and Tevin Mack both playing well. With Clyde Trapp, Alex Hemenway, and Chase Hunter all still out injured, the Tigers need both of those guys to step up.
From a matchup standpoint, this one seems to favor the Tigers. The Gamecocks do not shoot the three ball well, and that is an area the Tigers have struggled to defend. KenPom has the Tigers winning it 72-66. If Clemson can play solid defense inside the paint, this is a game they should win. Tipoff is at 5pm and the game will be televised on ESPN2.
