Rubbing the Rock
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Shutting down Dennis Smith Jr. key to Tigers contest with N.C. State

By Anthony Messenger

Mar 1, 2017; Clemson, SC, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Dennis Smith Jr. (4) drives to the basket while being defended by Clemson Tigers forward Elijah Thomas (14) during the first half at Littlejohn Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 1, 2017; Clemson, SC, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Dennis Smith Jr. (4) drives to the basket while being defended by Clemson Tigers forward Elijah Thomas (14) during the first half at Littlejohn Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Clemson basketball team is set to take on N.C. State in the first round of the ACC tournament Tuesday, March 7th at 12:00 pm. The Tigers come into the tournament on a two game winning streak.

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If Clemson has any hopes of advancing in the ACC tournament they must contain N.C. State’s Dennis Smith Jr. The freshman guard has been impressive all season, averaging 18.5 points per game, 6.3 assists per game, and nearly 5 rebounds per game.

Clemson Tigers Basketball
Clemson Tigers Basketball /

Clemson Tigers Basketball

Clemson’s biggest issue throughout the season has been finishing in tight games, the Tigers lack a true finisher. The Wolfpack on the other hand, have a bonafide closer in Dennis Smith Jr.

Brad Brownell’s Tigers have struggled against teams with elite guard play losing to the likes of Duke, Louisville, and Florida State. Duke has Greyson Allen, Louisville has Donovan Mitchell, and Florida State has Dwayne Bacon. Dennis Smith Jr. is as good if not better than each of these guards.

Should Clemson be able to contain Smith Jr. they will then need to take care of the basketball and throw it inside to Jaron Blossomgame. N.C. State does not have a true rim protector, and Blossomgame has the blend of size and athleticism necessary to get to the cup.

Smith Jr. needs to be as uninvolved as possible for Clemson to have a chance at winning. Avry Holmes and Shelton Mitchell will need to put on a strong defensive performance to keep Smith Jr. in check.

The Tigers barely edged the Wolfpack last time the two met, winning 78-74 and Dennis Smith Jr. only scored 13 points in that contest. If the Tigers can hold Smith Jr. below his yearly average they have a shot.

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