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Clemson Basketball: ESPN’s BPI predicts Kansas over the Tigers

By Shawn Spencer

LAWRENCE, KS - FEBRUARY 19: Big Jay and Baby Jay the Kansas Jayhawks' mascots entertains against the Oklahoma Sooners at Allen Fieldhouse on February 19, 2018 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)
LAWRENCE, KS - FEBRUARY 19: Big Jay and Baby Jay the Kansas Jayhawks' mascots entertains against the Oklahoma Sooners at Allen Fieldhouse on February 19, 2018 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /
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The Clemson basketball team will take on Kansas in the Sweet 16. ESPN’s Basketball Power Index heavily favors the Jayhawks heading into the match up.

The Clemson basketball team advanced to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1997.

Awaiting the Tigers for a chance to head to the Elite 8 is the No. 1 seeded Kansas Jayhawks. Most expect this to be a good game, but it’s clear to see that the vast majority of experts and fans are favoring the Jayhawks heading into Friday night.

ESPN updated its Basketball Power Index, which predicts the outcome of each game.

The BPI gives Kansas a 64.8 percent chance to win, while the Tigers have just a 35.2 percent chance.

Thoughts:

Overall, I think this is about what you can expect at this point. If I were putting a percentage on this game, I’d give Clemson basketball closer to a 40-45 percent chance to win.

We all know, though, that Kansas is the heavy favorite.

The Jayhawks are a 5-point favorite according to Vegas and many believe they have a chance to advance to the Final Four or even win it all.

So, what do the Tigers need to do in order to prove the BPI and all the naysayers wrong?

It’s pretty simple. Have good guard play, knock down shots, and play solid defense. If Clemson can duplicate its performance from last Sunday or even get close to playing at that caliber, they will have an opportunity to win the game.

The key will be just keeping it close and not allowing Kansas to string a bunch of shots together and go on a huge run.

Next: 5 Reasons Clemson could win the NCAA Tournament

Make sure you check back here on Rubbing the Rock for more updates, analysis, and an in-depth preview heading into the game on Friday as the Tigers head up to Omaha for a chance to make history.

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