Clemson Tigers vs Duke Blue Devils
When: Tuesday, Jan 8, 7:00 p.m.
Where: Cameron Indoor Stadium
TV: ESPNU
The Duke Blue Devils (14-0) are number one in the nation, and they are hosting the Clemson Tigers at home. Duke uses a heavy six man rotation, and they are led by Mason Plumlee in the front court. Plumlee averages 18 points per game and 11 rebounds. Seth Curry is second on the team in scoring, and he leads the team in shots taken. Duke has five guys averaging within three shots of each other. They move the ball well, and they have diversity and balance within their offense. Duke won their first ACC game against Wake Forest.
Clemson (8-5) has three players averaging in double figures. Devin Booker averages almost 12 points per game, and he also leads the Tigers in rebounds. Booker and Milton Jennings have a great opportunity to turn the season around on Tuesday night. The two big men must match the intensity by Duke’s front court players. They lost their first ACC game to Florida State.
Duke has been playing with a sense of togetherness for the whole season. They may still be vulnerable to NBA caliber guards, but newcomer, Rasheed Sulaimon has taken on the chance to guard the opponents best perimeter player.
Quinn Cook has assumed the role as the number one point guard for the Blue Devils. He is finally 100 percent and by the end of the season, Cook could be Duke’s most important player.
Duke averages 80 points per game, while Clemson puts up 66 per game. The Tigers have to slow the game down, and keep Duke out of transition. Once they get defensive stops, Clemson must team rebound and Keep Mason Plumlee off of the boards.
To beat Duke on the road, teams must weather the storm in the first half. The run will come, and Clemson has to react well. They have the defensive ability to keep the Blue Devils down, but they also need to score enough points.
Duke will lose a game in the ACC this season, yet they aren’t losing to Clemson at home. Clemson’s last win at Duke came in 1995. Their last win against Duke came in 2009.
Duke 82
Clemson 65
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