NCAA Basketball: Ranking the 2020 Big Ten/ACC Challenge matchups
10. Purdue at Miami
Two teams with plenty of question marks at the moment, this could be the lowest-scoring matchup of the event. Purdue lost two experienced and elite defenders in Matt Haarms and Nojel Eastern but there’s a chance that offense improves as a result with them gone. For Miami, they just lost starting forward Sam Waardenburg to a season-ending injury. They’ll be relying a ton on Cincinnati transfer big Nysier Brooks to have an impact.
This game will come down to a battle of duos, between Eric Hunter Jr. and Trevion Williams of the Boilermakers and Chris Lykes and Kameron McGusty in the backcourt for the Hurricanes. With the unknowns of the supporting cast, this one could very well be a toss-up. The experience of Miami and being at home is why I give them an edge.
Prediction: Miami
9. Maryland at Clemson
The Tigers are familiar with Terrapin newcomer Jairus Hamilton, as he spent last season at Boston College. Recently given a waiver, he’ll be a crucial frontcourt piece for the team and in this game will be tasked with guarding returning lead scorer for Clemson, Aamir Simms. Where Maryland has the edge is on the perimeter, with starters Eric Ayala, Aaron Wiggins, and Darryl Morsell leading the way.
The Tigers have talent of their own, including guards Clyde Trapp, Jr. and Al-Amir Dawes. Transfer Nick Honor will give them more depth as well. This is a game where the wonder of how good Maryland’s frontcourt will be on both ends. Clemson may not have the kind of bigs as the top teams in the country but they’ll provide a good test in this one.