Clemson Men’s Basketball: Tigers hit the road to play Virginia Tech

Clemson Men’s Basketball will play the Virginia Tech Hokies in mid-week ACC action in Blacksburg, Virginia on Wednesday evening.

Clemson defeated NC State in their last game of 2022 to improve their ACC record to 3-0. The Tigers won each of those contests by double-digits.

The Tigers are 11-3 overall. They are ranked 60th in the KenPom rankings, one spot ahead of NC State.

Hunter Tyson leads Clemson in points (15.6) and rebounds (9.7) per game. Chase Hunter leads the team in assists with 4.6 per game.

Virginia Tech is 1-2 in ACC play and 11-3 overall. They are ranked 30th in the KenPom rankings. Their only loss before two weeks ago was to a College of Charleston team that is now ranked. They have dropped their last two ACC contests to Boston College and Wake Forest, both on the road. A contributing reason is an injury to Hunter Cattoor, who was injured against the Eagles. He is considered game-to-game. Cattoor was the MVP of last season’s ACC Tournament and led the Hokies in 3-pointers before his injury.

Head coach Mike Young’s comments after the Wake game suggest Cattoor will play against the Tigers.

"“He feels great. We had a shot to play him today. But he’s very close. I think he’ll play on Wednesday. I just thought it was in his best interest and our team’s best interest to hold onto him for a night here. He’s still a little tender, he’s still got some bruising on that elbow.”"

The Hokies are paced by Sean Pedulla, who leads them in both points (17.4) and assists (4.3) per game. Senior forward Justyn Mutts leads the team with 8.2 rebounds per game. Mutts has five double-doubles this season.

Clemson Men’s Basketball is a 6-point underdog against the Hokies, with an over/under total of 137.5 points.

The spread is Virginia Tech -6.0, with an over/under of 137.5, which suggests a 71.75-65.75 victory for the Hokies.

Marty Coleman (11-3, 6-8 ATS):

Clemson has played well for the most part this season, but on balance that’s been in the friendly confines of Littlejohn Coliseum. This game is in Blacksburg and without a career game from Hunter Tyson the Tigers may have struggled against N.C. State. As of this posting, there’s been no update on Alex Hemenway, so I’m going to assume he won’t play and Clemson struggles on the road without him.

John Chancey (11-3, 6-8 ATS):

Assuming Cattoor plays for the Hokies, I think they will right the ship and play better than they have the last two games. The Tigers are playing well also. Tyson is on fire right now. I think it is a close game. I like the Hokies to win, but the Tigers to cover.