Hey guys, I wanted to get this up so that we all can talk leading up to the Arizona-Clemson game about the match up and keys that you guys should watch for when the game rolls around on Thursday. Arizona will not have a press conference in Tucson tomorrow and won't be doing any media until they get up in LA for the game. We will have our preview in this thread as well. Any lead up to the game will be posted in this thread.
(GAME INFO)
Who: No. 2 seed Arizona (27-8) vs. Clemson (23-11)
When: 4 p.m. (MST)
Where: Crypto.com Arena | Los Angeles
TV: CBS
Odds: Arizona (-6.5) | O/U: 151.5
(Clemson Breakdown)
In all honesty, I thought Arizona was going to be playing Baylor in the Sweet Sixteen and I'm a little shocked that Clemson was able to get through the next round. So, below, I'll be breaking down the tigers and point out three things to watch as the Wildcats prepare for the Tigers.
The frontcourt is where it starts - When looking at the Tigers roster, it is very clear that everything starts in the frontcourt and that Clemson works through its big men to get the job done. The leading scorer on the roster is center PJ Hall, who is averaging 18.5 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. The 6-foot-10 center has rejected 51 shots averaging 1.5 blocks per game. But, that isn't where the size stops, forward Ian Schieffelin comes in at 6-foot-8 and is averaging 9.8 points and a team-leading 9.5 rebounds while shooting 57% from the field.
On the season, the Tigers are averaging 32.7 points in the paint compared to the Wildcats, who have averaged 42.2 points in the paint this season. So, this game might be lived in the paint where yes, Clemson has size, but Arizona has more of it and uses it game in and game out.
The free throw line - As a team, the Tigers are shooting an incredible 79% from the foul line and have two guys that shoot 85% and above. Even Hall is shooting a good 79% making him a dangerous player when it comes to down thew stretch in close game. Meanwhile, the Wildcats have had their ups and downs throughout the season at the line, but are shooting 72%, which is best for 187 nationally.
3-point shooting - When looking at the Clemson roster, one of the first things that jumps out at you is that they shoot 35% from deep as a team. However, they have a guards in Joseph Girard, who is shooting 41% from the 3-point line while averaging 15.3 points per game. Girard is going to be the guy to watch and see if the Wildcats can keep him from warming up from beyond the arc.
We'll have more with Aidan's preview of the game. But let us know what you think of this match up and share thoughts on what concerns you as the Wildcats get ready to face the Tigers in the Sweet Sixteen in LA.
(GAME INFO)
Who: No. 2 seed Arizona (27-8) vs. Clemson (23-11)
When: 4 p.m. (MST)
Where: Crypto.com Arena | Los Angeles
TV: CBS
Odds: Arizona (-6.5) | O/U: 151.5
(Clemson Breakdown)
In all honesty, I thought Arizona was going to be playing Baylor in the Sweet Sixteen and I'm a little shocked that Clemson was able to get through the next round. So, below, I'll be breaking down the tigers and point out three things to watch as the Wildcats prepare for the Tigers.
The frontcourt is where it starts - When looking at the Tigers roster, it is very clear that everything starts in the frontcourt and that Clemson works through its big men to get the job done. The leading scorer on the roster is center PJ Hall, who is averaging 18.5 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. The 6-foot-10 center has rejected 51 shots averaging 1.5 blocks per game. But, that isn't where the size stops, forward Ian Schieffelin comes in at 6-foot-8 and is averaging 9.8 points and a team-leading 9.5 rebounds while shooting 57% from the field.
On the season, the Tigers are averaging 32.7 points in the paint compared to the Wildcats, who have averaged 42.2 points in the paint this season. So, this game might be lived in the paint where yes, Clemson has size, but Arizona has more of it and uses it game in and game out.
The free throw line - As a team, the Tigers are shooting an incredible 79% from the foul line and have two guys that shoot 85% and above. Even Hall is shooting a good 79% making him a dangerous player when it comes to down thew stretch in close game. Meanwhile, the Wildcats have had their ups and downs throughout the season at the line, but are shooting 72%, which is best for 187 nationally.
3-point shooting - When looking at the Clemson roster, one of the first things that jumps out at you is that they shoot 35% from deep as a team. However, they have a guards in Joseph Girard, who is shooting 41% from the 3-point line while averaging 15.3 points per game. Girard is going to be the guy to watch and see if the Wildcats can keep him from warming up from beyond the arc.
We'll have more with Aidan's preview of the game. But let us know what you think of this match up and share thoughts on what concerns you as the Wildcats get ready to face the Tigers in the Sweet Sixteen in LA.
