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Key Takeaways:
- Clemson is on a seven-game winning streak and has broken into the AP Top 25 at No. 22
- The Tigers are led by Jestin Porter, who has emerged as a leader and ranks second on the team in scoring
- Boston College is struggling, having lost three games in a row and ranking last in the ACC in 3-point shooting
- The Eagles’ junior guard Donald Hand Jr. leads the team in scoring, but has had a hard time finding the basket lately
- Clemson’s coach Brad Brownell praises Porter’s speed and ability to maneuver through screens, saying "He’s got really good speed… I think sometimes guys like that who are small are harder to screen"
Introduction to the Matchup
Clemson, the newest addition to the AP Top 25, is looking to extend its seven-game winning streak as it hosts Boston College on Tuesday. The Tigers, ranked No. 22, have not lost in over a month, with their last defeat coming on December 9 against then-No. 10 BYU in a neutral-site game. Clemson is coming off a road victory against Notre Dame, where they won by double figures behind a season-high 26 points from Jestin Porter. As Clemson coach Brad Brownell said, "He’s got really good speed… I think sometimes guys like that who are small are harder to screen."
Clemson’s Recent Success
The Tigers’ success can be attributed to their strong team play, particularly from Porter, who has emerged as a leader this season. The 6-foot-1 guard from Texas has scored 20 points or more in two of his past three games and ranks second on the team in scoring at 11.7 points per game. Porter has also been impressive on the defensive end, leading the team in steals at 1.3 per game and nabbing nine over his last two games. Clemson’s ability to take care of the ball, turning it over just 9.5 times per game, has also been a key factor in their success.
Boston College’s Struggles
On the other hand, Boston College is struggling, having lost three games in a row, including a double-digit loss to No. 20 Louisville on Saturday. The Eagles have statistically one of the worst offenses in the country, with the 12th-lowest field goal percentage (39.7%) and the lowest scoring average in the ACC at 69.0 points per game. As Boston College coach Earl Grant said, "I think that offensively, we’re a group that’s got to do it by committee… We’re not that juggernaut team that can depend on somebody to go get 25 (points) every night." The Eagles will need to find a way to improve their offense if they hope to compete with the surging Tigers.
Player Spotlight: Donald Hand Jr.
Junior guard Donald Hand Jr. leads Boston College in scoring this season at 15.3 points per game, but has had a hard time finding the basket lately, shooting just 9 of 38 (23.7%) from the floor over his past three games. Hand Jr. will need to regain his shooting form if the Eagles hope to keep up with Clemson’s high-powered offense. As the Eagles look to bounce back from their recent losses, they will need to find a way to contain Porter and the rest of the Tigers’ offense.
Conclusion and Outlook
The matchup between Clemson and Boston College promises to be an exciting one, with the Tigers looking to extend their winning streak and the Eagles seeking to turn their season around. With Porter leading the charge, Clemson is confident in their ability to come out on top. As Brownell said, "Those were big plays certainly to get us some easy baskets. In a game where it’s hard to score, those were important." The game will be a test of the Eagles’ ability to contain the Tigers’ high-powered offense and improve their own struggling offense.
https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/no-22-clemson-tests-newly-ranked-status-vs-boston-college/