Read more for our full Virginia vs Clemson prediction and preview.
Virginia basketball welcomes No. 13 Clemson to Charlottesville for its senior day. Both teams last played Wednesday — the Cavs defeated Wake Forest, while the Tigers blew out Notre Dame.
General Information:
Teams: Virginia (14-14, 7-10) and Clemson (23-5, 15-2)
Tip time: Noon EST
Watch: ESPN2
Listen: Virginia Sports Radio Network and SIRIUSXM 119/193
Latest on Clemson basketball:
Clemson beat Notre Dame 83-68 Wednesday. The Tigers led by just two with less than three minutes before halftime but took over from there. Clemson played an efficient game, shooting nearly 50% from the field and turning it over just four times. Senior forward Ian Schieffelin had a team-high 24 points and a game-high nine rebounds.
The Tigers are playing their best basketball of the season right now. They’ve won 11 of their last 12 and five straight, including a victory over Duke — the Blue Devils’ only ACC loss of the season so far. They’re one of the most veteran teams in the country, with many of their best players returning from last year’s team that ran to the Elite Eight.
Clemson is led by the dangerous guard/forward duo of senior guard Chase Hunter and Schieffelin. The duo combined for 36 points in the Tigers’ victory over Duke.
In his sixth year of college basketball, Hunter leads the Tigers at 16.7 points per game and knocks down three-pointers at a 43% clip. If he gets fouled, he converts at the free throw line, shooting 87.1% from the charity stripe.
Schieffelin is a versatile player. He can crash the glass, score inside and step out and knock down threes. He’s a matchup nightmare for a Virginia defense that’s taken a noticeable step back this year. If the Cavs cannot contain either Hunter or Schieffelin, it’ll be a long game.
Latest on Virginia basketball:
Virginia is coming off a 83-75 victory over Wake Forest on Wednesday. The Cavaliers delivered a crushing blow to the Demon Deacons, who are struggling to stay on the NCAA Tournament bubble. Junior guard Isaac McKneely had a season-high 27 points to lead UVa.
The three-point line was the difference in the game. Whereas Virginia buried its threes, Wake Forest struggled from behind the arc. Whenever the Demon Deacons made a push to get close, the Cavaliers responded with a three-pointer to keep Wake Forest at bay.
However, it wasn’t all great for the Cavs. Virginia has been switching all screens defensively over the past few weeks, and it’s become clear that strategy isn’t working. Senior guards Hunter Sallis and Cameron Hildreth repeatedly blew by their defenders and got wide open layups at the rim. It kept Wake Forest in the game and prevented the Cavs from pulling away.
The switching is going to be an issue against the Tigers. If the Cavs aren’t careful, Schieffelin is going to have a big day, pushing Virginia’s guards down low and racking up the offensive rebounds. The status of redshirt freshman forward Anthony Robinson will be something to monitor entering the game, as he missed the Wake Forest game Wednesday.
With it being senior day, the only Cavalier from the main rotation getting honored is guard Taine Murray. He’s been a role player his whole career but has had a few big games this year, including scoring a career-high 20 against Miami.
This game has ACC Tournament ramifications. With a win, the Hoos will clinch a spot in the tournament and stay in contention for the crucial opening-round bye. However, UVa has struggled mightily against the top teams in the conference this year, and expect today to be no different.