UNC vs. Clemson Prediction, Game Preview

The UNC Tar Heels welcome the Clemson Tigers to the Dean E. Smith Center on Wednesday. Below is the UNC vs. Clemson prediction and game preview.

UNC vs. Clemson Game Preview

Game Broadcast

Date: Wednesday, Dec. 30
Game Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Venue: Dean E. Smith Center, Chapel Hill, N.C.
Network: ESPN2

Why You Need To Care

UNC (11-2) at one time was the No. 1 team in the nation, but that seems like a while ago now as the Tar Heels enter their matchup with Clemson as the No. 7 team in the AP top 25 rankings.

Roy Williams’ team comes into this one on a four-game winning streak after losing on a buzzer-beater to Texas two weeks ago in Austin, Texas.

The Tigers will give UNC its first taste of conference play as we inch closer to the new year.
 
Clemson (7-5) started the season with three straight wins but has since lost five of its last nine games — including losses in both road games against Minnesota and Georgia.

The loss to the Bulldogs was particularly embarrassing simply because the Tigers fell, 71-48, in Athens, Ga. It doesn’t matter if you’re at home or on the road, a 23-point loss and being held under 50 points is never positive. But Clemson will now look to play up to its competition in Chapel Hill, N.C.

Why UNC Will Win

Brice Johnson has been a man possessed in his last four games. During that stretch, he’s averaging 22.5 points and 11 rebounds. He’ll need to establish his presence down low early and continue to wipe the glass all night to help UNC control the tempo. From there, Marcus Paige will have to orchestrate the offense, creating his own shot and open looks for others by penetrating the lane.

Why Clemson Will Win

It’s pretty evident, but the Tigers have to keep a body on Johnson at all times. If he starts to get going on the boards and in the paint, it’s going to be a very long night for Clemson. Jaron Blossomgame will have to find his stroke early and hope Donte Grantham can get into double figures, too.

What’s Going To Happen?

Johnson is going to wreak havoc on the boards and help UNC win the rebounding battle. Paige will hit double figures, and as Clemson adjusts to him, that will leave open looks for Joel Berry II and Justin Jackson. The Tar Heels will play sound defense and keep the Tigers off the line to hang onto the win.