Two ACC games highlight tonight’s slate as the annual ACC/Big Ten Challenge gets underway on the ESPN family of networks. We see one of the nation’s top defenses in Clemson take on Minnesota in the late game, while Wake Forest will look to come off of last week’s upset against Indiana with a win against a non-conference foe in Rutgers. Let’s get to it.
Wake Forest (4-2) Vs. Rutgers (3-3), 7:00 PM ET on ESPNU
Game Notes
- At 17.7 points per game, Wake Forest forward Devin Thomas is off to a red-hot start to his senior season. Thomas is shooting 51% from the floor thus far, and is also averaging a robust 10.3 rebounds per game.
- Forward Deshawn Freeman has been no slouch in his own right for Rutgers. The junior is averaging 14.5 points per game, but has not rebounded at quite the clip that Thomas has for Wake Forest, as Freeman is only averaging about 5.5 rebounds per game this season.
Predictions
This game will be a battle, showcasing two of the more underrated forwards in college basketball this evening. They will no doubt be going blow for blow individually, but team offense will most certainly decide the game, which is why I’m giving the edge to Wake Forest. The Demon Deacons are 37th in the nation in rebounds per game, while Rutgers ranks 190th in the country in that category. This key statistic is why Wake Forest will ultimately win the game tonight, as extending and adding possessions will lead to a better chance at more points. Easy, isn’t it? Give me Wake Forest.
Wake Forest 74 Rutgers 62
Clemson (4-1) Vs. Minnesota (4-2), 9:00 PM ET on ESPN2
Game Notes
- Jaron Blossomgame has wasted no time making his presence felt once again this season for Clemson. He is averaging 18.2 points per game on 61% shooting to start off his junior season.
- Minnesota is another example of a Big Ten team that really struggles in the rebounding department. The Golden Gophers are 231st in the country on the boards, pulling down 35.7 boards per game this season.
Predictions
Can Minnesota score on Clemson tonight? The Tigers enter the game 5th in the nation in points allowed, with their stout defense giving up a mere 56.2 points per game. Minnesota struggles to rebound as I mentioned above, but their scoring is middle of the pack in relation to the rest of the nation, ranking 171st nationally at 74.7 points per game. Senior forward Joey King, who is averaging 17.2 points per game is going to need to have a huge night to even give the Gophers a chance, but when it all shakes out after 40 minutes, I believe the Tigers defense is much too strong, even on the road.
Clemson 68 Minnesota 54
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