Clemson vs. Louisville: College basketball game preview, TV schedule

The Clemson Tigers have been one of the hottest teams in the country as of late. Can they keep it going versus Louisville or will they falter at home?

Time: Saturday, Jan. 6 at 12:00 p.m. ET.

TV schedule: ACC Network

Arena: Littlejohn Coliseum in Clemson, SC.

The top-25 rankings have fluctuated with so many teams winning and losing games in just a week’s span. But for Clemson 13-1 (2-0), the team’s continued success has allowed them to crack the top-25 for the first time this season.

The Tigers are riding an eight-game winning streak thanks to a top-25 defense combined with balanced scoring from a roster filled with transfers. That defense was on display on Wednesday in the first half versus Boston College. Clemson gave up just 23 points and held a 20-point lead in the second half before the Eagles came back to make it a game in the final minutes.

The Tigers held on for the 74-70 road win, thanks to Donte Grantham‘s 23 points and 14 rebounds. Marcquise Reed and Elijah Thomas were productive as well, chipping in with 17 and 16 points, respectively.

The past couple of games for Louisville 11-3 (1-0) had polar opposite results. In the rivalry game against Kentucky, the Cardinals were blasted by 29 points. But in the conference opener against Pitt, it was a 26-point game in Louisville’s favor.

Quentin Snider has emerged as the top offensive option for the Cardinals, with 19 points in the last game. Deng Adel chipped in with 12 points and six rebounds while sharpshooter Ryan McMahon came off the bench with 10 points, making all four of his shot attempts.

For Clemson, this team lacks a true “star” as compared to in the past, but have more quality players that can lead the team in scoring on any given night. So although they don’t have a guy that can take over a game and drop 30 to win, the team can afford a guy having a night off and still be in a position to win.

All things considered, Louisville has had a good season as well under first-year head coach David Padgett, especially considering what happened just before the season began.

Next: Where are Louisville and Clemson in our ACC rankings?

Both teams are very similar in roster makeup, as well as the ability to play sound defense. In games like this, a breakout game from any player would be the difference in who wins this game. It’s hard for me to predict an outright winner, so I’ll take the cowards way out and pick the home team. But I can say that it’ll be a hard-fought, drag it out, tight game.

Prediction: Clemson 71 – Louisville 70