After a 10-day break, Clemson basketball is back on the hardwood, and the timing couldn’t be more pivotal. The Tigers, sitting at 10-3, open ACC play with a road test against a surging Syracuse squad (9-4) at the JMA Wireless Dome on December 31 at 2 p.m.
ET. It’s the kind of early-conference matchup that can set the tone for the weeks to come.
Clemson Finding Its Rhythm
Clemson closed out nonconference play on a high note, stringing together three straight wins to build momentum heading into league action. Despite being without freshman reserve guard Zac Foster due to injury, the Tigers haven’t missed a beat.
Their offensive engine has been forward RJ Godfrey, who leads the team with 11.3 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. Godfrey’s been a steady presence on both ends, giving Clemson a reliable interior option and a spark when they need it.
The Tigers have handled adversity well so far, and that’s been evident in their ability to maintain production even with a shortened bench. That resilience will be tested against a Syracuse team that’s been clicking offensively.
Syracuse Heating Up at Home
The Orange are riding their own three-game win streak, and they’ve been doing it in convincing fashion-winning by an average of 17 points per game. That speaks to more than just hot shooting.
Syracuse has found balance, with six players averaging double figures in scoring. Forward Donnie Freeman has been one of the key contributors, giving the Orange a dynamic scoring threat in the frontcourt.
This kind of depth makes Syracuse a tough matchup, especially at home. The JMA Wireless Dome can be a tricky place for visiting teams, and with the Orange spreading the scoring load, Clemson’s defense will have its hands full trying to contain all the options.
A Key Early-Season Matchup
This one qualifies as a Quadrant 2 game for both teams-a valuable resume builder that could carry weight come March. Clemson already has some experience in these types of matchups, going 2-1 in Quad 2 games so far. For Syracuse, this will be their first such test of the season.
Expect intensity from the opening tip. Clemson may look to establish an early lead behind their frontcourt play and defensive pressure, but Syracuse has shown they can hang around and close strong. With the home crowd behind them and a deep rotation to lean on, the Orange have the tools to make a late push.
Projected Outcome
Syracuse 70, Clemson 68. This one feels like it’s coming down to the final few possessions.
Clemson’s going to come out strong, but Syracuse has the depth and composure to weather the storm. Expect a few clutch buckets late to tilt the game in the Orange’s favor and hand Clemson its first ACC loss of the season.
What’s Next
Clemson’s upcoming stretch includes a road trip to Pitt (Jan. 3), followed by home games against SMU (Jan. 7) and Boston College (Jan. 13), sandwiched around a visit to Notre Dame (Jan. 10). They’ll also host Miami on Jan. 17 in a key conference clash.
Syracuse, meanwhile, hits the road for back-to-back games at Georgia Tech (Jan. 6) and Pitt (Jan. 10), before returning home to face Florida State (Jan. 13).
They’ll then travel to Boston College (Jan. 17) before hosting Virginia Tech on Jan. 21.
With both teams looking to make noise in the ACC, this New Year’s Eve showdown could be a tone-setter for what’s shaping up to be a tightly contested conference race.