Clemson 3 Point Favorites

NC State will need to play with precision on the offensive end as the Tigers boast a strong defensive mindset. Clemson has held opponents under 42% shooting from the field thus far on the season which is tough sledding. To make matters worse for the Pack, the Tigers have done a great job of protecting the three point line; teams have only converted 34% from beyond the arc.

Offensively, Jaron Blossomgame is the unquestioned go to guy. The redshirt junior is averaging 17.5 points per contest and 7.1 rebounds. He is a handful at 6-7, 220 pounds, and has the ability to beat his defender off the bounce. NC State will have its’ hands full to say the least. Blossomgame is at his best when he is going to the rack, he has elite lift and is no stranger to finishing over the top.

After Blossomgame, the Tigers have two players averaging 10 points a piece. Guard Avry Holmes and  forward Donte Grantham are both solid complimentary players to Blossomgame. Grantham is a difficult player to gauge as he is 6-8 but loves to settle for jump shots, he is young but seems to be at his best when he attacks the cup early. Neither one of these two are efficient as they are both shooting sub 39% on the season.

NC State is the underdog according to Vegas, but I cannot help but think that State can pull the upset. I expect an ugly game, Clemson doesn’t make their living on the offensive end, they instead dig in defensively and make just enough plays offensively to pull it out. Blossomgame is a great talent and to be honest, the only Tiger player I respect on offense. If State can take away Blossomgame by contesting every shot and keeping him out of the paint they have a shot.

Offensively, the Pack must get into the open court to get easy baskets early in the shot clock. It is no secret they have struggled the longer they have held on to the ball, at this point in the year that is not changing. Cat Barber will look to rebound from a rough outing in Charlottesville this past Monday. State played a great first half, but great first halves followed by tragic second halves do not have a positive effect on the win/loss column. 40 minutes is what it will take come 3PM. The game can be seen on ESPN3.