The Notre Dame Fighting Irish (13-6, 3-3 ACC) visit Clemson to take on the No. 20 Tigers (15-3, 4-2 ACC) in a matchup that pits phenomenal offense against exceptional defense. The game is scheduled to start at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 20, 2018.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. Clemson Tigers ATS Prediction
In the Fighting Irish’s last game, they were defeated by the Louisville Cardinals, 82-78. One of Louisville’s biggest advantages was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 15-17 (88.2 percent), while the Fighting Irish were just 7-11 (63.6 percent). Martinas Geben had a solid performance for Notre Dame, recording 22 points and 17 rebounds.
The Tigers lost to the No. 15 North Carolina Tar Heels in their last outing, 87-79. One of North Carolina’s largest advantages was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 20-24 (83.3 percent), while the Tigers were just 14-21 (66.7 percent). Marcquise Reed had a good game for Clemson, leading the team in scoring with 21 points on 7-for-14 shooting.
This meeting figures to be low-scoring as two of the NCAA’s top defenses clash. Clemson currently ranks 46th in defensive efficiency (95.6) and Notre Dame is 55th (96.6).
Geben and Temple Gibbs have played at a high level over the last five games for Notre Dame. Geben has averaged 11.2 points, 10.0 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game. Not to be outdone, Gibbs has recorded 16.0 points and 4.6 assists a game during that span.
After the Fighting Irish won the sole game against the Tigers last season, 75-70, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. Notre Dame had a better turnover percentage (13.8 vs. 16.5). Clemson, meanwhile, did an excellent job of converting from the charity stripe (7-8; 87.5 percent).
Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Clemson Tigers Betting Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Notre Dame, ATS Winner – Notre Dame, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Clemson ranks 28th in assists allowed per game (11.1) while Notre Dame ranks 123rd (13.5).
The Tigers average 5.6 blocks per game, which ranks 15th in the nation. The Fighting Irish rank 83rd in blocks allowed per game (3.4).
Notre Dame ranks 34th in steals allowed per game (5.3) while Clemson ranks 57th (5.6).
Bettings Trends:
The Fighting Irish’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 4.0, down from 12.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Tigers have scored an average of 75.2 points per game (2.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 73.4 points per game (7.8 above their season average).
