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Clemson vs. Duke: 2018-19 college basketball game preview, TV schedule

By Zach De Jong

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 20: Jack White #41 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts with teammate Javin DeLaurier #12 during the second half of the game against Texas Tech Red Raiders during the Ameritas Insurance Classic at Madison Square Garden on December 20, 2018 in New York City. The Duke Blue Devils defeat Texas Tech Red Raiders 69-58. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 20: Jack White #41 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts with teammate Javin DeLaurier #12 during the second half of the game against Texas Tech Red Raiders during the Ameritas Insurance Classic at Madison Square Garden on December 20, 2018 in New York City. The Duke Blue Devils defeat Texas Tech Red Raiders 69-58. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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Clemson and Duke open their ACC conference season versus each other on Saturday night. Can Clemson upset the number one Blue Devils in Durham?

TV schedule: Saturday, January 5, 8:00 PM ET, ESPN

Location: Cameron Indoor, Durham, North Carolina

The last time the Clemson Tigers won in Durham versus the Duke Blue Devils was 1995. Jeff Capel, Chris Collins, and Steve Wojciechowsi were on that 1995 Blue Devil team. All three of these players are now Division I coaches.

The (10-3) Tigers look to break this steak on Saturday night and upset the No.1 Blue Devils in Durham. The Tigers are coming off an 84-67, win versus Lipscomb on Sunday, December 30. Senior guard Marcquise Reed led the Tigers with twenty-six points on Sunday afternoon.

Reed leads the experienced Tigers team in points and assists in the 2018-19 season. He is averaging 20.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in his senior campaign. Reed loves taking pull-up jumpers from around the free throw line. He is shooting 57.4 percent from inside the arc and doing a majority of his damage from this area. Reed is shooting a career-low 28.9 percent from the three-point line. Although he has struggled from behind the arc – he still shoots around 4.5 three-point attempts per game.

Another impact player for the Tigers is senior forward Elijah Thomas. Thomas is averaging 13.5 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.1 assists in his thirteen games played. Thomas is a 6-9, 251 lb forward who thrives at owning the paint on both sides of the floor. On the defensive side of the ball – Thomas emphatically goes after blocking shots in the paint. His want to block shots can also be his downfall though – Thomas is averaging 3.2 personal fouls per game.

In order for the Tigers to win versus the Blue Devils – they will need to take care of the ball and defend the three-point line. The Tigers average 14.3 turnovers per game and have had 186 turnovers already this season. If the Tigers can’t take care of the ball – the Blue Devils will take advantage of them in transition.

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Their perimeter defense has been a problem all year as they have let opponents shoot 38.2 percent from the three-point line. This may not be a problem as the Blue Devils have only shot 32.4 percent from behind the arc – but they do have capable shooters like Cam Reddish, Jack White, and Alex O’Connell who can get hot in a hurry.

Meanwhile, the (11-1) Blue Devils haven’t played in sixteen days due to Christmas break. The last game the Blue Devils played was versus Texas Tech on Thursday, December 20. The Blue Devils beat Texas Tech 69-58, in Madison Square Garden.

The Blue Devils top two players have been freshman duo R.J. Barrett and Zion Williamson.

Barrett has averaged 23.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists in his freshman season. Barrett is a prolific scorer – who can score from virtually anywhere on the floor at will. His driving ability forces opponents to provide help defense regularly. He has gotten great at recognizing this help defense and finding the open teammate.

Williamson has averaged 19.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 2.3 assists. According to Brian Rauf, Williamson is leading the country in his player of the year rankings. Williamson has been the most consistent and efficient player for the Blue Devils. He has a non-stop motor that makes him a problem to deal with on both sides of the floor.

The Blue Devils are the only team in the nation who are ranked in the top five in both adjusted offensive and defensive efficiency according to KenPom. In order for the Blue Devils to win they will need to play intense defense on Reed and shut him down.

Tre Jones will most likely be tasked with guarding Reed. He is a great on-ball defender who could be a pest to the Tigers. Jones is also coming off an impressive defensive performance versus Texas Tech – where he grabbed six steals. He has made it difficult for opponents to get into their offense.

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I believe that the Blue Devils will overpower the Tigers on both sides of the floor and come away (1-0) in the ACC after Saturday night.

Prediction: Clemson 72 – Duke 86