Clemson Tigers vs Kentucky Wildcats Picks and Predictions December 3rd 2024

No. 4 Kentucky Takes Unbeaten Show on Road, Visits Clemson

Wildcats Prepare for First Road Test

Kentucky will face its first road challenge under coach Mark Pope on Tuesday when the No. 4 Wildcats (7-0) visit Clemson in the SEC/ACC Challenge. The game offers an intriguing matchup between two teams off to impressive starts.

The Wildcats, who defeated then-No. 6 Duke in the Champions Classic earlier this season, have been dominant at home, winning their last four games by at least 19 points. They lead the nation in scoring at 96.7 points per game and rank among the top five in rebounding (45 per game) and assists (21.1).

“We are trying to learn from every game,” Pope said after Kentucky’s 105-76 win over Georgia State on Friday. “Next week is our first true road game … against elite level talent. Both (Clemson and No. 7 Gonzaga are) insanely physical teams. We are excited about it.”

Oklahoma transfer Otega Oweh leads Kentucky with 15.9 points per game, shooting 57.1 percent from the field. Koby Brea, a transfer from Dayton, has excelled from beyond the arc, hitting 61 percent of his 3-point attempts while averaging 14.1 points per game. Kentucky’s balanced attack includes six players averaging double-digit scoring, with no player exceeding 26 minutes per game.

Clemson Looks to Build Momentum

Clemson (7-1) enters Tuesday’s contest riding a four-game winning streak following an 86-58 rout of Florida A&M on Friday. The Tigers, who reached the NCAA Tournament’s Elite Eight last season, are looking to make a statement against a powerhouse opponent.

“To have a brand like that coming in here is terrific for our program,” Clemson coach Brad Brownell said. “It’s good to have those kinds of opportunities, and we know that the way they’re playing, we’re going to have to play at an extremely high level to win.”

The Tigers are led by returning guard Chase Hunter, who is averaging 16.4 points per game. Forward Ian Schieffelin, another key returnee, contributes 12.5 points and 11.6 rebounds per game, while Cincinnati transfer Viktor Lakhin adds 11.1 points per contest.

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Clemson ranks 18th nationally in 3-point shooting at 39.8 percent. Against Florida A&M, the Tigers shot 50 percent from the field and held a commanding 41-27 edge on the boards. Hunter paced Clemson with 16 points in the victory.

A High-Stakes Showdown

Both teams bring potent offenses and strong defensive metrics into Tuesday’s clash. Kentucky has reached the 100-point mark in four games this season, while Clemson’s balanced scoring and efficient shooting provide a tough test for the Wildcats.

The game offers a chance for Kentucky to prove itself on the road and for Clemson to gain a signature win against a top-tier opponent. Fans can expect a physical, high-intensity battle between two teams with postseason aspirations.