The Clemson basketball team is looking to quickly pivot from their heartbreaking triple-overtime loss to Georgia Tech on Tuesday to a crucial ACC showdown against the No. 2 Duke Blue Devils in primetime on Saturday.
Duke (20-2, 12-0 ACC) currently holds the number one spot in the ACC, while Clemson (18-5, 10-2 ACC) sits at number two. Tuesday’s loss snapped Clemson’s six-game winning streak and denied them their best start in conference play in program history.
However, the game grounded them, highlighting their flaws which they can review and hopefully fix before Saturday.
“We’re going to do what we need to do tomorrow — watch film, learn from this game — and then we’ll get to them and get prepared for that game”
Chase Hunter said about preparing for Duke.
“Just be ourselves,” Hunter added. Clemson averages 77.3 points per game and a 46.2 field goal percentage, while Duke scores 80.3 points per game on 47.7% shooting. Defensively, Duke leads Clemson with a lower defensive rating, 92.3 compared to 102.3.
The biggest challenge Clemson will face on Saturday will be minimizing production from freshman Cooper Flagg, the projected number one overall pick in the upcoming NBA draft. Flagg leads Duke with averages of 20 points, 7.9 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.2 blocks per game.
On the other side, Duke will have to handle Chase Hunter, who is coming off a 28 point performance on Tuesday. After missing a few key shots in the loss, he’s sure to have a chip on his shoulder. Hunter will look to continue his strong season, averaging 17.7 points per game on 48.6% shooting.
Clemson will need to improve their shooting after posting a season-low 36.4% performance against Georgia Tech. The Tigers must also avoid foul trouble, which proved to be a game changer on Tuesday when center Viktor Lakhin fouled out in the second half, allowing Georgia Tech to dominate the boards.
Injuries are another concern for the Tigers. Freshman Del Jones is dealing with an Achilles injury from practice, while Chase Hunter and Ian Schieffelin both played through their respective issues — Hunter with a jammed finger and Schieffelin with cramps.
This all has potential to spell trouble against Duke, but the team is confident they can move past it and be ready for their toughest test of the season. “Just flush it,” Chase Hunter stated, referring to their Georgia Tech loss.
Tip-off is now set for 6:30 p.m. on Saturday after being pushed back 30 minutes “due to a potential conflict with the end of the Lakers vs. Pacers game, which also airs on (ESPN).”
