Notre Dame travels south for a challenging ACC matchup against the eighth-ranked Clemson Tigers. This game could be a turning point for the Irish as they strive for an upset against a surging Tigers squad.
LC
by Len Clark
Clemson’s Homecourt Advantage
Unstoppable at Home
Clemson has been dominant at Littlejohn Coliseum, boasting a 13-2 home record this season.
Hunter Leads the Charge
Senior guard Chase Hunter fuels the Tigers offense, averaging 17.0 points and shooting 42.7% from three.
Dominance in the Paint
Forward Ian Schieffelin provides a strong inside presence, averaging 12.4 points and 9.4 rebounds per game.
Notre Dame’s Key to an Upset
Offensive Catalyst
Freshman guard Markus Burton has been Notre Dame’s top scorer, averaging 20.3 points per game.
Steady Contributor
Forward Tae Davis provides consistent production, averaging 15.8 points and 5.4 rebounds per game.
Minimizing Turnovers
Notre Dame must limit turnovers against a Clemson team that thrives on forcing turnovers.
Stretching Clemson’s Defense
Three-Point Threat
Notre Dame shoots 36.2% from beyond the arc, with Braeden Shrewsberry leading the charge.
Strong Perimeter Defense
Clemson boasts one of the ACC’s top perimeter defenses, holding opponents to just 32.6% from three.
Matchup to Watch: Burton vs. Hunter
Markus Burton
Notre Dame’s freshman guard, known for his scoring prowess and ability to create his own shot.
Chase Hunter
Clemson’s senior guard, a key leader and defensive stalwart known for his shooting and playmaking.
Notre Dame’s Challenge: Overcoming Injuries
1
Shrewsberry and Allocco Out?
Braeden Shrewsberry and Matt Allocco missed the previous game due to injuries.
2
Impact on Depth
Notre Dame’s depth will be tested against a deep and talented Clemson team.
3
Next Man Up Mentality
Notre Dame will need other players to step up in their absence and contribute significantly.
A Battle for ACC Supremacy
1
High Stakes
This game holds major implications for both teams in the ACC standings.
2
Momentum
A victory for Notre Dame could propel them towards a late-season push, while a win for Clemson strengthens their hold on the top spot.
Key Takeaways
1
Homecourt Advantage
Clemson’s strong homecourt advantage and dominant performance at Littlejohn Coliseum will be a significant factor.
2
Turnover Battle
Notre Dame must limit turnovers against a Clemson team that excels at forcing turnovers.
3
Injuries Impact
Notre Dame’s injuries will test their depth and require other players to step up.