The North Carolina Tar Heels and Clemson Tigers are both ranked nationally but have each hit a skid lately. They are both trying to firm up one of the top seeds in March Madness, so better play down the stretch is paramount.
These two ACC rivals will face off in an important game for both sides. North Carolina has the more talented group but Clemson gets this game at home, which should make for an interesting showdown.
The Tar Heels have lost two straight games, including in an upset at home to North Carolina State last time out. Clemson mustered only 36 points when it lost to Virginia last time out.
The Tigers may be slight favorites but this one seems to be lining up as a competitive showdown.
This war on the floor will go down Tuesday, January 30, 2018, at 7 p.m. ET at Littlejohn Coliseum. This game will be broadcast on ESPN.
We'll have NCAA basketball odds at BookMaker.eu available for this and every game on the college basketball Tuesday schedule.
Odds Analysis
North Carolina is 16-6 straight up and 11-9-1 against the spread. The Tar Heels have gone 2-3-1 against the spread on the road this season. North Carolina has only been the underdog three times this season and has failed to cover in any of them, pushing once.
Clemson is 16-4 straight up and 10-7 against the spread. The Tigers have been impressive at home, covering in seven of their eight contests. Clemson is 8-5 against the spread as the favorite on the season.
Injury Report
Clemson suffered a tough injury last week when forward Donte Grantham was lost for the season due to a torn ACL. He was a big key for the Tigers, averaging 14.2 points and 6.9 rebounds per contest.
Grantham was shooting 56 percent from the field and 41.9 percent from three-point range. He had been a big contributor for Clemson for four years, so not only will his production be missed, but so will his experience.
Grantham was injured in a win over Notre Dame and didn’t play against Virginia. The Tigers struggled badly on offense in that one, and while the Cavaliers are known to dominate on defense, the loss of Grantham certainly seemed to play a role in the issues.
Clemson must figure out a way to make up for his absence the rest of the way.
Last Meeting
These teams faced off only a couple weeks ago in Chapel Hill. The Tar Heels controlled that one for most of the game and then held off a late rally by Clemson for the 87-79 victory.
Cameron Johnson had 21 points to lead North Carolina, which had all five of its starters score double figures. North Carolina shot 51 percent from the field and 48.4 percent from three-point range, which helped it stave off Clemson’s rally.
The Tigers were led by Marcquise Reed, who had 21 points and five steals but also turned the ball over five times. Clemson hopes to do a better job defensively in this matchup.
Free NCAA Men’s Basketball ATS Picks
The Tigers get a chance to exact revenge at home, which could make it the slight favorite, but North Carolina badly wants to snap a two-game losing streak. Take the Tar Heels to go on the road and pick up a crucial win.
These teams are very evenly matched and it should come down to the wire. In the end, North Carolina will make enough plays during the stretch run to pick up the win. The Tar Heels are also the choice to cover.
Consider the “over” in this game as North Carolina should be able to push the tempo consistently throughout the contest.
NCAA Men’s Basketball Odds: North Carolina 81, Clemson 79
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