No. 11 Clemson Out to Continue Winning Ways, Faces Boston College
No. 11 Clemson looks to match a program record for regular-season wins when it visits Boston College on Wednesday in Chestnut Hill, Mass.
Clemson’s Strong Season Continues
The Tigers (24-5, 16-2 ACC) extended their winning streak to six games with a 71-58 comeback victory over Virginia on Saturday. Clemson overcame a 10-point deficit despite shooting just 1-for-10 from three-point range.
Find the Best College Basketball Picks Here!
“That’s why we’re having a good season—we’ve won a lot of different ways,” Clemson coach Brad Brownell said. “We’ve had games where we had to score inside or from two, and we’ve had games where we make 14 threes. That’s what makes us good—we can do both.”
With a win, Clemson will tie the program’s record for regular-season victories (25), set in 1986-87. The Tigers will wrap up their schedule at home against Virginia Tech on Saturday.
Boston College Struggles to Find Momentum
Boston College (12-17, 4-14 ACC) has been eliminated from ACC Tournament contention following an 82-71 loss to Cal on Saturday. The Eagles are ranked near the bottom of the conference in both scoring offense (70.6 ppg, 15th) and scoring defense (75.1 ppg, 14th).
Turnovers have been the biggest issue, as BC averages 12.0 per game and ranks 16th in the ACC in turnover margin (-1.38).
“We just can’t turn it over,” BC coach Earl Grant said. “Take good shots and take care of the basketball.”
The Eagles enter Wednesday’s matchup on a two-game skid but have been much stronger at home, posting a 9-7 record in Chestnut Hill.
Key Players to Watch
For Boston College, Donald Hand Jr. leads the team with 16.3 points per game and is also its top rebounder (6.2 rpg). Forward Chad Venning (12.5 ppg) has been a key offensive contributor as well.
“(Venning) has been a big part of our offense,” Grant said. “He’s really good at scoring around the basket.”
Clemson ranks second in the ACC in scoring defense (66.2 ppg) and fifth in scoring offense (77.4 ppg). The Tigers rely on a balanced attack led by Chase Hunter (16.3 ppg), Ian Schieffelin (13.1 ppg, 9.5 rpg), Viktor Lakhin (11.5 ppg), and Jaeden Zackery (11.0 ppg). Zackery, who transferred from BC, has started all 29 games for Clemson.
Clemson has been one of the ACC’s best road teams this season, boasting an 8-3 away record along with a 2-0 mark on neutral courts.
“Having an older group, there’s no question that’s part of why we’re doing so well on the road,” Brownell said. “The guys are excited about these challenges.”
Gain an Edge with Our Top Handicappers!