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Clemson vs Memphis: 2023-24 college basketball game preview, TV schedule

By Tristan Freeman

Nov 17, 2023; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Tigers forward David Jones (8) reacts after a three point basket during the second half against the Alabama State Hornets at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 17, 2023; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Tigers forward David Jones (8) reacts after a three point basket during the second half against the Alabama State Hornets at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Clemson is one of seven unbeaten teams left in college basketball but faces a tough test this weekend against the Memphis Tigers.

TV schedule: Saturday, December 16th, 3:00 pm ET, ESPN+

Arena: FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee

Whether it’s the offseason or literally in the middle of the season, Memphis Basketball always has something going on with its roster construction. In the past week, they’ve been missing starting center Jordan Brown, who is reportedly out with an “illness”. And in the past 24 hours, the program landed a commitment from Nae’Qwan Tomlin, a transfer from Kansas State who can play as soon as he gets admitted to the school.

He’s not likely to play in Saturday’s game at Clemson, so Memphis (7-2) will be a bit underhanded in the frontcourt. Bigs Nick Jourdain and Malcolm Dandridge have played well but the focus of the offense is on the perimeter, led by David Jones. The 6’6 transfer from St. John’s is putting up career-high numbers so far, averaging 20.1 ppg and 6.6 rpg. Jahvon Quinerly is the only other double-digit contributor, producing 13.3 ppg and 4.8 apg.

Coming off big road wins at VCU and Texas A&M, the Tigers head back home to take on its toughest opponent to date in Clemson (9-0). The Tigers are one of seven teams without a loss on the year, including beating two previous unbeatens in the week prior, South Carolina and TCU.

Clemson’s start to the year is led by senior forward, PJ Hall. He leads the team with 20.1 ppg and 7.6 rpg. Guards Joe Girard and Chase Hunter are double-digit contributors, while Ian Schieffelin has been a breakout contributor in the frontcourt. They’re a top-20 three-point shooting team currently, making nearly 40% of its shots.

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It’s not a great time for Memphis to have frontcourt issues against one of the better bigs in college basketball. On the other hand, Clemson doesn’t really have a good answer for someone like Jones on the wings. So it may come down to which respective star goes off for their team. The ACC Tigers have had some close calls but this time, I have the ones from the AAC getting the win.

Prediction: Memphis 76, Clemson 68

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