7/10 Seed Match-Up: Clemson/ Missouri

One of the most difficult 7/10 match-ups to handicap will take place Friday afternoon as the Clemson Tigers and Missouri Tigers battle in the first round of the NCAA tournament. Both teams faired well in their respective conferences, but I feel that it will be the strength of the conferences themselves that will determine who escapes this first round collision.

Clemson started the year 15-3 before the lost 3 consecutive games in the ACC to Georgia Tech, Duke and Boston College. They stumbled through their final 9 games going 6-3. Despite their bas stretch at the end of the season, they still went into the ACC tournament as the 5th seed, but came away empty handed after a shocking loss to a mediocre N. Carolina St squad. Many experts feel as though the ACC as a whole is “down” this year. The Tigers better hope not as they face a very capable and offensively dynamic Missouri team in their opening round game.

For the most part, Clemson goes 6 players deep. Trevor Booker leads the team in scoring with a 15.3 point per game average. His 8.3 rebounds are also tops on the team, and with 2.5 assists he ranked 2nd on the Tigers. Demontez Stitt is the only other player to average double-digits in scoring (11.1 ppg) for Clemson. However, their 3-6 players all have the ability to step in and make shots when needed. It will take a solid defensive effort to contain Missouri’s attack, and keep them in the game. Clemson does allow 2 fewer points per game than Mizzou, but these numbers can be skewed due to the lack of competition in the ACC this season.

Missouri averages almost 78 points per game. They have 8 players that average at least 6 points per game which gives the starters plenty of time to rest throughout the course of the game. Guards Kim English and Marcus Denmon are a tremendous 1-2 combo that can cause problems for any defense in the country. Together they combine for 25 points and 6 rebounds per game. As many of us know, solid guard play is an essential part of being successful in the NCAA tournament. Their 3rd guard (J.T. Tiller) may be the most well rounded as he contributes almost 9 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists per contest. Forwards Laurence Bowers and Justin Stafford may not be dominating in the paint defensively, but they do more than enough on both ends of the floor to make this Tigers team a threat.

The Tigers of Missouri have several key wins this season against top ranked teams, and play in a conference that boasts 4 top 25 schools. Their tough schedule should make them tournament ready, and potentially a sweet-16 team.

Expect a high paced, fast moving game as both of these teams aren’t afraid to get up and down the court. This game has the potential to be go down to the final shot, so tune in Friday as Clemson takes on Missouri for the opportunity to take on W. Virginia in the second round.

Related posts:

1. ACC Battle: Duke vs. Clemson Re-Match
2. 7/10 Seed Match-Up: Oklahoma St/ Georgia Tech
3. Music City Bowl Preview: Clemson vs. Kentucky
4. 7/10 Seed Match-Up: Brigham Young/ Florida
5. Wake and Miami Collide for 3rd Time in ACC opener

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