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Clemson Men’s Basketball: Tigers face Hokies in rematch

By Marty Coleman

Jan 11, 2023; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers forward Hunter Tyson (5) scores near Louisville Cardinals forward Kamari Lands (22) during the second half at Littlejohn Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2023; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers forward Hunter Tyson (5) scores near Louisville Cardinals forward Kamari Lands (22) during the second half at Littlejohn Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Coming off a ten-point loss in Winston-Salem with a short-handed roster, Clemson Men’s Basketball has had three days to rest, recuperate and figure out who’s available for Saturday’s matchup with Virginia Tech.

Earlier in the week it appeared that one or both of Alex Hemenway or Chase Hunter could be available and for my money, Hunter would be preferable because, well, you saw (if you were lucky) what transpired against Wake Forest.

Still, there’s an allure to a guy like Hemenway returning, both for his 50% shooting from three-point range and his veteran presence.

We shall see how all that works out, but as previously pointed out, this is a quad 2 game, so while a win is not “great”, it would put the Tigers at 8-1 in the conference, but more than that, a quad 2 loss would be…less than optimal.

Brad Brownell’s past teams have not always looked into it, but this team has played hard and provided effort all season long.  My Sluggo co-host Casey Cregan said it best on Wednesday’s show: There’s no way they should have been in that Wake Forest game.

But there they were, down by only 6 with a little over two minutes left.

After an 11-1 start, the Hokies have lost 6 straight, but they did get Hunter Cattoor back against Virginia and he faired OK, with 11 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists in a 10-point loss.

KenPom is predicting 74-71 in the Tigers favor and giving Clemson a 59% win probability, while ESPN while sets that number at 61.8%.

Clemson Men’s Basketball is favored over Virginia Tech

Clemson is a 2.5-point favorite with an over/under of 143.5, implying a 73-70.5 Tiger win.

John Chancey (13-6, 10-9 ATS):

Virginia Tech has dipped a bit. I think part of it has been Cattoor’s absence but six straight losses probably creates a mental hurdle beyond just missing a player. I do think the Tigers need Chase Hunter to play though. I’m presuming he does until I hear otherwise.

Marty Coleman (13-6, 8-11 ATS):

It’s a bit murky on who plays on the Clemson side, making predicting an outcome a bit tougher.  On the flip side, whoever plays for the Tigers has played tough and given it their all.  As Chancey pointed out, Hunter could be essential because you can’t depend on a random 10 points from Chauncey Wiggins if Hunter’s unable to play again.

I’ll take Clemson at home, but think it’s closer.

The game is scheduled to be televised on ESPN2 at 6 p.m. EST.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change

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