Clemson is set to tip off its March Madness journey with a first-round NCAA Tournament clash against the 9-seed Iowa today in Tampa. The Tigers, boasting a 24-10 record, made a solid run in the ACC Tournament, securing two victories before falling to Duke in the semifinals. This performance earned them an 8-seed in the South Region.
Iowa, with a 21-12 record, mirrors Clemson in their slow-paced style, ranking among the lowest in adjusted tempo according to KenPom. The Hawkeyes are led by standout guard Bennett Stirz, who averages 20 points per game.
The stakes are high as the winner moves on to face either Florida or Prairie View A&M on March 22, with a Sweet 16 spot on the line.
How to Watch Clemson vs. Iowa
For fans eager to catch the action, the game will be nationally broadcast on TNT. The commentary team includes Tom McCarthy, Candace Parker, and Dan Bonner, with AJ Ross reporting from courtside at Benchmark International Arena. Streaming options are available on FUBO, which offers a free trial for newcomers.
Game Details
- Date: Friday, March 20
- Start Time: 6:50 p.m.
- Location: Benchmark International Arena, Tampa
Predictions and Odds
In a tight contest, Greenville News reporter Derrian Carter predicts a 68-63 victory for Clemson. Expect a closely fought battle, with Clemson likely to pull ahead in the second half.
- Odds: Iowa favored by 2.5
- Over/Under: 129.5 points
- Money Line: Clemson +110, Iowa -135
Clemson's Season Recap
Clemson's journey to the tournament has been marked by several standout performances. They kicked off the season with dominant wins over teams like New Hampshire and Gardner-Webb. Despite a few setbacks against strong opponents such as Georgetown and Alabama, the Tigers demonstrated resilience, bouncing back with key victories over teams like Syracuse and Pitt.
Their ACC Tournament run showcased their potential, with a narrow win over UNC before falling to Duke. Now, as they face Iowa, Clemson aims to leverage their season's experiences and make a deep tournament run.
Stay tuned for what promises to be an exciting matchup as Clemson and Iowa battle it out for a chance to advance in the NCAA Tournament.