The Clemson Tigers (5-4) take on the South Carolina Gamecocks (6-4) at Littlejohn Coliseum. The game can be seen on ESPN2 at 5 p.m. ET on Sunday, December 15, 2019.
South Carolina Gamecocks at Clemson Tigers Free Prediction
In the Gamecocks’ last game, they were blown out by the Houston Cougars, 76-56. Houston’s free throw rate was their biggest strength over South Carolina. The Cougars had a rate of 0.288 (above their season average of 0.263), while the Gamecocks posted a mark of 0.161 (below their season average of 0.202). Maik Kotsar was South Carolina’s high scorer with 12 points on 5-for-12 shooting.
The Tigers lost big to the No. 17 Florida State Seminoles in their last matchup, 72-53. Florida State’s 0.602 effective field goal percentage was their largest advantage over Clemson, who had a rate of 0.443. The Seminoles’ mark was above their season average of 0.510, while the Tigers’ was below their season average of 0.521. With 14 points on 5-for-10 shooting, Tevin Mack led Clemson in scoring.
The Tigers won the sole contest against the Gamecocks last season, 78-68. Clemson had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.652 vs. 0.397). South Carolina, on the other hand, had a much better turnover percentage (15.7 vs. 26.9).
The offense of South Carolina will battle against the elite defense of Clemson. Dating back to the 2018-19 season, the Gamecocks rank 201st in offensive efficiency, while the Tigers are 77th in defensive efficiency. The Tigers figure to have the advantage on that side of the ball.
South Carolina at Clemson Free Pick
ATS Pick: ATS Winner – South Carolina, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
South Carolina ranks 42nd in blocks per game (4.5) while Clemson ranks 169th (4.0).
The Gamecocks rank 139th in three pointers allowed per game (22.3) while the Tigers rank 242nd (22.5).
Clemson averages 6.8 steals per game, which ranks 63rd in the country. South Carolina ranks 108th in steals allowed per game (6.4).
The Gamecocks rank 109th in rebounds per game (36.6) while the Tigers rank 123rd in rebounds allowed per game (32.7).
