Miami Hurricanes vs Clemson Tigers Picks and Predictions December 7th 2024

Clemson Rolling, Miami Slumping Ahead of ACC Opener

Clemson enters Saturday’s Atlantic Coast Conference opener at Miami riding a five-game winning streak and looking poised to break into the AP Top 25 poll. Meanwhile, the Hurricanes are desperate to halt their own five-game slide as they host the surging Tigers.

Clemson’s Dominance

The Tigers (8-1) are coming off a signature 70-66 home win over No. 4 Kentucky on Tuesday, showcasing their defensive prowess and rebounding edge. Clemson coach Brad Brownell has been vocal about the program’s growth.

“We’re under the shadow of (Clemson) football for sure, but I don’t know why you wouldn’t want to come play basketball here,” Brownell said. “(We have a) program on the rise, good facilities … and we have great kids who care and play the right way.”

Clemson’s defense and rebounding have been critical to its success. Ian Schieffelin has been a standout, ranking second nationally with 12.6 rebounds per game, including a career-high 20 against Kentucky.

Chase Hunter leads the Tigers offensively, averaging 15.7 points per game while shooting 42.6 percent from 3-point range. Schieffelin adds 12.3 points per game, though his shooting beyond the arc has been a work in progress at just 19.2 percent.

Jaeden Zackery, a transfer from Boston College, contributes key defensive energy, leading the team with 2.1 steals per game.

Miami’s Struggles

The Hurricanes (3-5) have faced a difficult stretch, losing five consecutive games, including a surprising 76-73 home loss to a one-win Charleston Southern team last weekend. However, Miami showed signs of improvement in a competitive 76-73 loss to Arkansas on Tuesday.

Matthew Cleveland led the way with 15 points and 10 rebounds, breaking out of an early-season slump.

“He played like a grown man,” teammate Nijel Pack said of Cleveland’s performance, which followed two quiet games in which he totaled just four points.

Ready for smarter betting?

Take The Next Step!

Join Now!

Pack has been Miami’s most consistent offensive player, averaging 16.1 points and 4.9 assists per game while shooting over 41 percent from 3-point range. Jalen Blackmon, contributing 11.6 points per game, has been another reliable shooter from deep.

However, Miami’s struggles on defense and the boards have proven costly, and those areas are Clemson’s strengths.

Key Matchups

• Ian Schieffelin vs. Lynn Kidd: Schieffelin’s rebounding dominance (12.6 rpg) will be tested by Miami center Kidd, who is averaging 10.6 points and 5.4 rebounds.
• Chase Hunter vs. Miami Perimeter Defense: Hunter’s sharpshooting and playmaking will challenge a Miami defense that has struggled to contain outside threats.
• Matthew Cleveland’s Momentum: If Cleveland builds on his strong performance against Arkansas, Miami could find the spark it needs to stay competitive.

What’s at Stake

Clemson seeks to solidify its spot among the nation’s elite and build momentum in conference play. Miami, on the other hand, is fighting to reverse its fortunes and salvage its season.

Tip-off is set for Saturday afternoon in Miami, where both teams aim to start their ACC campaigns on the right note.