Clemson vs. South Carolina In-State Rivalry Heats Up in Columbia
Clemson Tigers vs. South Carolina Gamecocks: In-State Rivalry Heats Up in Columbia
The Clemson Tigers (9-2) and South Carolina Gamecocks (7-3) will meet in an exciting non-conference battle at Colonial Life Arena on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. ET. This in-state rivalry promises to deliver plenty of intensity as both teams look to strengthen their positioning ahead of the holiday stretch. The Tigers enter the contest as 1.5-point favorites, with the over/under set at 134.5 points.
Clemson Tigers: Seeking Redemption After Overtime Loss
Clemson’s most recent game saw them fall 87-82 to Memphis in an overtime thriller on Saturday. Despite the loss, the Tigers remain a competitive squad with a 9-2 record and have proven their ability to bounce back from setbacks. Prior to the Memphis defeat, Clemson had won six consecutive games, showing resilience and strong performances.
The Tigers’ offense has been led by senior guard Chase Hunter, who averages 16.0 points per game while shooting 47.3% from the field. Ian Schieffelin, the senior forward, contributes 13.0 PPG and 12.0 RPG, making him a key player to watch on both ends of the floor. Senior center Viktor Lakhin (12.1 PPG, 5.9 RPG) provides additional scoring and rebounding support in the post.
Clemson’s well-rounded squad also includes the strong defensive presence of Jaeden Zackery, who averages 2.1 steals per game. As a team, the Tigers rank 27th in KenPom’s overall rankings, with a top-tier defense that holds opponents to just 64.7 points per game (37th in the nation). Their offense scores 77.5 points per contest, ranking 146th in the country, and they shoot 37.5% from three (57th in NCAA).
On defense, Clemson’s ability to limit shooting—particularly from beyond the arc—is a strength. They allow just 31.8% shooting from three-point range (144th), which will be important in slowing down the Gamecocks’ perimeter shooters.
South Carolina Gamecocks: Riding a Four-Game Win Streak
South Carolina enters this game on a four-game winning streak, with recent victories over Virginia Tech, Boston College, East Carolina, and USC Upstate. The Gamecocks are playing with renewed confidence, especially after their dominant defensive performance against USC Upstate. In that game, they held the Spartans to just 37% shooting, including a paltry 10% from beyond the arc.
Collin Murray-Boyles, a dynamic sophomore forward, has been the standout player for South Carolina. He averages 15.9 points and 9.6 rebounds per game, providing the Gamecocks with both scoring and a strong rebounding presence. The Gamecocks also rely on the veteran leadership of guards Jamarri Thomas (12.5 PPG, 3.2 APG) and Jacobi Wright (10.6 PPG, 3.1 APG), who both contribute to the team’s offensive efficiency and ball movement.
Defensively, South Carolina ranks 60th in the nation, allowing 65.8 points per game. Their defensive strategy focuses on forcing turnovers (opponents average 12.1 turnovers per game) and limiting shooting opportunities. The Gamecocks will need to capitalize on Clemson’s slight shooting inconsistency (44.8% field goal percentage) to maintain defensive pressure and create fast-break opportunities.
KenPom ranks South Carolina 68th overall, with a defense ranked 58th in the country. Their offense, averaging 74.9 points per game (204th in NCAA), is relatively efficient, but they will need to increase their perimeter shooting (35.2% from three) to challenge Clemson’s defense effectively.
Conclusion
Both teams come into this rivalry game with strong recent performances, but Clemson’s well-rounded attack and experienced players give them an edge in this contest. Expect a close, competitive battle, with Clemson’s defensive prowess and senior leadership ultimately guiding them to a narrow win on the road. South Carolina’s defense will keep the game tight, but Clemson’s scoring depth and rebounding should carry them through in the final moments.
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