Clemson Basketball: Tigers vs. Gamecocks – Preview, odds, totals, picks

After opening the season with an 11-point win at home against The Citadel on Monday, Clemson basketball makes the short drive to Columbia to take on arch-rival South Carolina a little earlier in the season than normal.

For each Clemson game this season, John Chancey and I will go head to head and pick the games against the spread in a friendly wager – we’re competitive like that.

Clemson opened the season with an 80-69 win over The Citadel, but did not cover the 17.5-point spread.

Likewise, South Carolina opened with an 80-77 win over South Carolina State, but didn’t come close to covering a 22.5 spread in Lamont Paris’ debut as the head man in Columbia.

John Chancey (1-0, 0-1 ATS):

I was worried about Clemson’s defense without PJ Hall protecting the middle when they play major teams. The Gamecocks scored 80 in their debut, but allowed 77 to a mid-major. I think Clemson is better overall, so I am picking them minus the points, but it will be a close game in Columbia.

Clemson 70, South Carolina 63

Marty Coleman (1-0, 0-1ATS): 

Game one played out pretty much how I expected, but I certainly didn’t expect the offense from Ian Schieffelin. That’s the good news.  The bad news is no one else scored off the bench and I just don’t see how that is a winning strategy long-term.

In the off-season, we heard a lot about Josh Beadle, but he didn’t scratch the scoring column in thirteen minutes and change on the court Monday.

It’s a step up in competition for both teams, it’s early and I’m still feeling my way around this team, but slight nod to South Carolina with the home-court advantage in a game that would look much different with P.J. Hall in the Clemson lineup.

South Carolina 71 Clemson 69

The Tigers follow these two games up with home games next week on Tuesday against USC Upstate and on Friday with Bellarmine.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change