Clemson @ Ohio preview
TD Arena
Clemson hopes to continue its history of success in the Gildan Charleston Classic, which it opens Thursday in South Carolina with a first-round game against Ohio. The Tigers are in the tournament for the third time, having won it in 2008 and claiming a runner-up finish in 2013.
It’s a short trip for the Tigers, who are off to a 2-0 start after routs of Western Carolina and North Carolina A&T. Clemson was expected to struggle at the offensive end after losing leading scorer Jaron Blossomgame to graduation, but they’ve shot at a 53.1 percent clip through two contests. The Bobcats had a bit of trouble putting away visiting Alabama A&M in a 61-53 win in their season opener on Saturday. Ohio was outrebounded in that game, which is bad news against a Clemson team that averages 15 more boards than the opposition through two contests.
TV: 5 p.m. ET, ESPN2
ABOUT CLEMSON (2-0): The Tigers have been patient at the offensive end and run their offense through their big men, with Donte Grantham (15.5 points, 8.5 rebounds) and Elijah Thomas (12, seven) dominating. Grantham is 12-for-15 shooting and has stepped out to make 4-for-6 from 3-point range while Thomas is 10-for-13. The guards also have gotten it done, as Gabe DeVoe (12 points, six rebounds) and Marcquise Reed (11.5 points) are shooting better than 50 percent while Shelton Mitchell is averaging a team-high six assists.
ABOUT OHIO (1-0): The Bobcats were one of the most-improved defensive teams in the nation a season ago, and they continued to defend well in the opener, holding Alabama A&M to 33.9 percent shooting and 21.1 percent from 3-point range. Three players scored in double digits Saturday, with freshman guard Teyvion Kirk leading the way with 16 points and swingman Gavin Block adding 12, nine rebounds and five assists. The Bobcats will have a tough time matching up in the post against Clemson, with only one player in their rotation taller than 6-7.
TIP-INS
1. Clemson has scored at least 85 points in each of its first two games after doing so only seven times all of last season.
2. Ohio is 1-1 against ACC opponents under fourth-year coach Saul Phillips, with the win coming last season at Georgia Tech.
3. Clemson has attempted 53 free throws, making 40, while opponents are just 15-for-28 from the line.
PREDICTION: Clemson 68, Ohio 59