On Saturday, Clemson men’s basketball (14-3, 6-0 ACC) will welcome the No. 24 Duke Blue Devils (13-4, 4-2 ACC) at Littlejohn Coliseum.
The Tigers have a great deal on the line in this upcoming game. For one is their undefeated ACC record, which is the best conference start in program history. Additionally, they are looking to extend a six-game win streak while simultaneously taking down the Blue Devils for the first time in three years.
Duke, which entered the season as the seventh-ranked team in the country, lost to top ten teams Kansas and Purdue earlier this season. The Blue Devils have also fallen to unranked Wake Forest and NC State as of late, losing by 24 to the Wolfpack.
Still, Clemson head coach Brad Brownell knows the squad his team is facing Saturday is one of the Tigers’ biggest tests this season.
“They’re still going to be competitive,” Brownell said. “They’re going to be organized. They’re going to play hard and play the right way.”
It could potentially prove to be a game of experience against talent on Saturday, as the majority of Duke’s key players are underclassmen, while Clemson leads through their seniors and juniors.
The same can be said for the coaching staff, as Brownell is in his 13th season with the Tigers while Jon Scheyer is in his inaugural season as the Blue Devils’ head coach, succeeding the great Mike Krzyzewski, who retired after last season.
However, Brownell knows Duke’s talent presents a great challenge for his players.
“They’re going to have their hands full,” he said. “They have elite players.”
One such reference is to Duke’s center Kyle Filipowski, as the freshman leads the Blue Devils in points, rebounds and steals. Scheyer also likes to rotate big men Ryan Young and Dereck Lively II, making it difficult for opposing teams to adjust in time.
Luckily for the Tigers, Hunter Tyson has been on a tear as of late.
The fifth-year forward leads the Tigers in both points and rebounds, averaging 16.2 and 10.1, respectively. Joining him in a dominant frontcourt is PJ Hall, who is scoring 12.4 points per game. The two will look to hold Duke’s frontcourt in what has been one of the team’s bright spots this season.
However, the Tigers may catch a break in the backcourt, as Duke’s star guard Jeremy Roach is expected to miss Saturday’s game due to a nagging toe injury suffered in November.
Roach’s absence could potentially make way for Clemson guards Brevin Galloway and Chase Hunter, who have both averaged double-digit points per game.
“We are going to have to play extremely well to win,” Brownell said of Saturday’s matchup.
With a statement win, Clemson would likely enter the Associated Press Top 25 after receiving votes last week.
Tipoff is set for 5:00 pm EST on Saturday and can be watched on the ACC Network.
