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Clemson at North Carolina: Basketball Picks & Predictions

Written January 21, 2009 by Jay Horne

clemson-north-carolina-012109 A high stakes ACC battle takes center court Wednesday night when the Clemson Tigers travel to Chapel Hill to battle the North Carolina Tarheels in a conference meeting between two highly-ranked schools. No. 5 North Carolina has fell victim to early season stumbles in the ACC losing to Boston College and Wake Forest, however, the Tarheels are fighting their way back up the ACC ladder and a win over the Tigers would help tremendously. The no. 10 Clemson Tigers dropped their first game of the season last Saturday when they were defeated by top-ranked Wake Forest 78-68. The game marked the first match-up of the season that the Tigers faced a top 25 opponent, and they will get a chance to justify their top 10 ranking in what would be a huge win on the road in the ACC. Tip-off is at 9:00pm EST. The betting odds on the game have North Carolina as a 14 point favorite over Clemson.

The Tigers have been solid on both ends of the court this season, but there are still question marks surrounding the fact they have not played any strong quality opponents. The Tigers will get the opportunity to put those speculations to rest one they take on one of the most prolific scoring teams in college basketball. However, the Tigers have faired pretty well this season averaging 80 points per game and shooting 48% as a team from the floor both ranking in the top 30 in America.

Clemson junior power forward Trevor Booker leads the way for the Tigers knocking down 15 points and also bringing down 9 rebounds per game. Clemson guards K.C Rivers and Terrence Oglesby will be big factors for the Tigers attempt at an upset. Both guards have the ability to put up big numbers and will need big performances. Oglesby has knocked down 45 3-pointers this season and his ability to make shots behind the arc can be a big difference maker if the young sophomore gets hot.

North Carolina appeared extremely strong earlier this season, but has been exposed a bit in the past few weeks. The Tarheels sport one of fastest scoring teams in the country averaging a 2nd best 93 points per game. North Carolina has performed exceptionally well shooting the ball hitting 49% as a team that ranks 12 in the nation. However, in the Tarheels two losses they were held to under 38% shooting from the floor and have not been shooting the ball as well in recent weeks.

Still, North Carolina poses as one of the most talented groups in America lead by players like Tyler Hansbrough, Ty Lawson, Wayne Ellington, and Danny Green. Hansbrough leads the team with a stout 22.9 points per game that ranks 11th individually. Hansbrough has a strong supporting cast with 5 more players that are averaging double figures. North Carolina’s ability to control the boards gives them the edge along with their electric offense. The Tarheels 43 rebounds per game ranks 3rd in the country and if they can avoid giving Clemson any second looks they should match-up well with the Tigers.

Game Prediction: No upset tonight with the Tar Heels playing well, but getting 14 points in a game this big is too many to ignore. Take the Clemson Tigers +14

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