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Clemson men’s basketball will play the Virginia Tech Hokies in midweek ACC action in Blacksburg, Virginia on Wednesday evening.
Clemson improved its ACC record to 3-0 with a win over NC State in their final game of 2022. The Tigers won each by double digits.
The Tigers are 11-3 overall. They are ranked 60th in the KenPom rankings, one spot ahead of NC State.
Hunter Tyson leads Clemson in points (15.6) and rebounds (9.7) per game. Chase Hunter leads the team with 4.6 assists per game.
Virginia Tech is 1-2 in ACC play and 11-3 overall. They are ranked 30th in the Kenpom rankings. Their only loss two weeks ago was to a currently ranked College of Charleston team. They dropped their last two ACC contests to Boston College and Wake Forest, both on the road. A contributing factor was an injury to Hunter Cator, who was also injured against the Eagles. It counts from game to game. Kator was the MVP of the ACC Tournament last season and led the Hokies in 3-pointers before the injury.
Head coach Mike Young commented after the Wake game that Kator will play against the Tigers.
“It feels good. We got a shot at hitting him today. But he is very close. I think he will play on Wednesday. I thought it was in his and our team’s best interest to keep him here for one night. He’s still a little tender, still has some bruises on that elbow.
The Hokies are led by Sean Pedula, who assists in both points (17.4) and assists per game (4.3). Senior forward Justin Mutts is leading the team in rebounding with 8.2 per game. Mutts has five double-doubles this season.
Clemson men’s basketball has a 6-point deficit against the Hokies and a total of 137.5 points.
The spread is Virginia Tech -6.0, with an over/over of 137.5, which suggests a 71.75-65.75 win for the Hokies.
Marty Coleman (11-3, 6-8 ATS):
Clemson has played well for the most part this season, but on balance this has been in the friendly confines of Littlejohn Coliseum. This game is in Blacksburg and the Tigers might have struggled against NC State without a career game from Hunter Tyson. As of this posting, there is nothing new on Alex Hemenway, so I’m guessing he won’t be playing and Clemson will struggle on the road without him.
Prediction
Clemson Tigers
68
Virginia Tech Hockey
76
John Chance (11-3, 6-8 ATS):
If I think Kator plays for the Hokies, I think they will right the ship and play better than the last two games. Tigers are playing well too. Tyson is on fire right now. I think it’s a close game. I want the Hokies to win, but the Tigers to cover.
Prediction
Clemson Tigers
65
Virginia Tech Hockey
69
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