Clemson Basketball: 3 keys for Sweet Sixteen NCAA Tournament game against Arizona

Despite being a 6-seed, the expectations for the Clemson Tigers weren't high entering the NCAA Tournament. In fact, the Tigers were a common upset pick for the First Round by bracket prognosticators, who thought the New Mexico Lobos could spring an upset.

Instead, Clemson mauled the Mountain West program in a game that wasn't particularly close. The Tigers backed up that win with an upset of 3-seed Baylor in the Second Round, controlling virtually the entire game against Scott Drew's Bears.

This marks the first time Clemson has been in the Sweet Sixteen in six years and just the second time the Tigers have made it this far in the NCAA Tournament this century. To make it to their second Elite Eight ever, however, they're going to need to find a new gear.

What are three keys to the Clemson Tigers knocking off the favored Arizona Wildcats in the Sweet Sixteen?

For much of the season, Arizona was looked at as the best team in the Pac-12 and a team with legitimate aspirations for a 1-seed, something the Wildcats may have gotten if they won their conference tournament. Instead, they're a dangerous 2-seed that won each of their first two games by double digits.

As of Monday evening, Arizona is listed as a 7.5-point favorite over Clemson, according to BetMGM. The moneyline on Clemson is +260.

Fans won't have to wait long to see if the Tigers can keep this going: Clemson plays the first game of the Sweet Sixteen, set to tip off at 7:09 pm ET on CBS on Thursday night. The game is being played in Los Angeles.

Here are three keys to a Clemson victory over Arizona.