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When: Tuesday, 7p.m. ET
Where: Little John Coliseum
How To Watch: ESPNU & WatchESPN
Clemson looks to continue to roll though the back half of their non-conference schedule when South Carolina State makes a quick trip from Orangeburg to Littlejohn Coliseum tomorrow night.
The 6-2 Tigers come into the matchup riding a 4 game winning streak after dominating Mercer 90-47 their last time out. The 2-7 South Carolina State Bulldogs are looking to find some traction after playing a brutal non conference slate that included Witchita State, South Carolina, Syracuse, Miami, and Texas A&M. The Bulldogs look to build off the positives gained when playing Texas A&M tight in a 76-83 loss in College Station last Saturday. Clemson has a 12-1 overall series lead over South Carolina State, including victories in the last seven matchups.
Clemson comes into this game following a complete dismantling of Mercer led Donte Grantham’s 19 point, 6 rebound performance. 5 Tigers hit double figures against Mercer, once again showing the scoring depth Clemson brings to the table this season. The Tigers will have a substantial size advantage over the Bulldogs and will look to dominate in the post and on the boards with Sidy Djitte and Jaron Blossomgame. Clemson will look to further solidify their rotation with Mitchell, and Holmes starting in the back court, Grantham and Blossomgame starting on the wings, and Djitte holding down the post. Reed and Devoe will see time off the bench in the back court, and Robertin will relieve Djitte in the post. Add in big man Elijah Thomas after Christmas Break and you’ll have the basic Tigers rotation for the ACC schedule.
Honestly, this game shouldn’t be close. South Carolina State has been blown out several times this season by superior competition, and this game should be no different. Clemson should be too big, strong, athletic, and skilled for South Carolina State. There isn’t 1 position on the floor where Clemson doesn’t hold a substantial advantage. Clemson has been putting teams like South Carolina State to sleep early this season, and it’s been a welcome sight after Clemson’s non conference game struggles under Brad Brownell.