The Clemson Tigers (8-3) will attempt to continue their five-game winning streak against the South Carolina Gamecocks (4-6) at Colonial Life Arena. The game starts at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 22, 2018, and will air on ESPN2.
Clemson Tigers vs. South Carolina Gamecocks ATS Prediction
The last time the Tigers played, they blew out the Citadel Bulldogs, 100-80. The Tigers had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (21.4 vs. 8.3) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.648 vs. 0.534). Clemson rallied around Marcquise Reed, who was the top scorer from either team with 20 points on 7-for-13 shooting.
The Gamecocks defeated the USC Upstate Spartans in their last game, 65-52. The Gamecocks had a much better free throw rate (0.466 vs. 0.121) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (42.2 vs. 20.5). With 13 points and 11 rebounds, South Carolina’s Chris Silva played well.
The offense of South Carolina (287th in the nation with an offensive efficiency of 99.6) will battle against the stingy defense of Clemson (97th in the NCAA with a defensive efficiency of 97.4). The Tigers should have the edge on that side of the ball.
Shelton Mitchell has averaged 0 points over the last five games for Clemson.
After the Tigers won the only game against the Gamecocks last season, 64-48, these teams will battle for the first time this year. Clemson had a much better free throw rate (0.348 vs. 0.148). South Carolina, meanwhile, had a better turnover percentage (19.3 vs. 21.0).
Clemson Tigers at South Carolina Gamecocks Pick
Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Clemson, ATS Winner – South Carolina, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Clemson ranks seventh in rebounds allowed per game (28.9) while South Carolina ranks 162nd (36.2).
The Tigers rank 20th in assists allowed per game (9.9) while the Gamecocks rank 104th (12.8).
Both of these teams are great at blocking the ball. South Carolina is 31st in the nation with 4.8 blocks per game while Clemson is 59th with 3.9 blocks per game.
Bettings Trends:
The Tigers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 14.6, up from 8.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Gamecocks have scored an average of 76.8 points per game (4.4 above their season average) and allowed an average of 66.0 points per game (6.1 below their season average).
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