Clemson leads the all-time series and has won the previous three meetings. Both teams are coming off exciting wins, as Syracuse basketball erased a 17-point deficit against Notre Dame and Clemson had a close finish on a road trip to Pittsburgh.
Syracuse (9-9, 3-4) and Clemson (15-4, 7-1)
7 p.m. EST
ACCN
Syracuse Sports Network/ WCCP 105.5 FM
Clemson basketball enters Wednesday in a tie for third in the ACC at 7-1, with their lone loss in the conference coming to Louisville on the road. Clemson is fourth in the conference in scoring defense, giving up 66.7 points per game. The Tigers have also emphasized the three-point line on both sides of the ball.
On the defensive side, Clemson basketball is fifth in the conference in opponent three-point percentage. On the other hand, the Tigers are shooting 38.9% from behind the arc, the best in the ACC and 14th in the country. Chase Hunter leads the Tigers and the conference in this category, shooting an efficient 45% from deep.
Hunter also leads the team with 17.6 points per game. However, the most intriguing matchup in this contest will be inside the painted area. As Clemson’s big man, Ian Schieffelin has the ability to stretch the floor, leaving open driving lanes for the Tigers’ athletic guards. Schieffelin has connected on 33% of his three-point field goals this season and is averaging just under 14 points per game.
If Clemson basketball can continue its success around the three-point line, the Tigers will find success against the Orange.
Syracuse basketball has won three of their last four games, including a thrilling comeback win over Notre Dame on Saturday. At one point in the first half, the Orange trailed by 17 points. But a fourth straight double-double by Eddie Lampkin Jr. and another 20-plus point performance from JJ Starling put the Orange on top.
After Starling missed time with a hand injury, he stepped back into stardom in Syracuse. The junior has scored in double figures in four of his last five games while leading the team with 16.8 points per game. However, the Orange will likely be without their star freshman, Donnie Freeman, who has missed the previous four games.
Over that span, however, the Orange are 3-1, due to Colorado transfer Eddie Lampkin Jr. playing to his potential. Along with four straight double-doubles, Lampkin has reached double-digit rebounds in seven of his last eight games.
While the Orange have struggled from behind the arc, there is no better time for a breakout game from deep. If they can find the stroke from behind the arc, the Orange could find an upset in Clemson.
If the Orange can match Clemson’s shooting ability they can keep it close. But in the end, a trip to Littlejohn Coliseum will prove too much for the Orange.
