ACC Roundup - All Three Tuesday Games Are Really Interesting
This could be a fascinating night.
Three ACC games on Tuesday as Georgia Tech visits Syracuse, Clemson takes on Louisville and SMU makes its first trip to the Dean Dome to take on the Tar Heels. All three are compelling in different ways.
First, we’ll be curious to see if Georgia Tech can build on some recent positives. The Yellow Jackets have quietly won four of their last five, with the loss being to Duke. Damon Stoudamire has made some changes to the starting lineup and is now starting Baye Ndongo, Ryan Mutombo, Naithan George, Jaeden Mustaf and Lance Terry.
For his part, ‘Cuse coach Adrian Autry has got JJ Starling back. He didn’t exactly kill it against Florida State, but he should get better. This could be a really fun game. We think the Yellow Jackets should win.
Clemson at Louisville should be really interesting. The Tigers are one of the better ACC teams and Louisville is getting better fast. Clemson always plays physically and Louisville will have to match that. However, the Cards have now won four straight and five of the last six, including giving nemesis a respectable game.
They have two significant flaws at the moment: first, three point shooting is erratic and Pat Kelsey relies on that. Second, depth could be better.
But even so, this program is heading in the right way and they’re ready for another big win to build on the gutty victory over UNC on New Year’s Day.
Finally, speaking of the Tar Heels, they’ll see SMU in the Dean Dome Tuesday and that should also be interesting.
SMU got handled by Duke, but the Mustangs have some talent and, importantly, some size that could give UNC trouble. Samet Yigitoglu (7-1) and Yohan Traore (6-11), are going to be tough matchups for the Heels. Basically, if simplistically, it’s SMU’s frontcourt against UNC’s backcourt. Extra drama is provided by UNC’s dancing on the bubble which means that every loss is that much more damaging.
SMU got pounded by Duke Saturday, which means they’ll probably be ready to make somebody pay.
They’ll have to control Ian Jackson, who is rapidly emerging as a major force, RJ Davis and Elliot Cadeau and Seth Trimble is closer to being back after his injury.
That one should be fun.
Tuesday’s ACC Action
- Pitt @ Duke || 7:00 || ESPN
- Georgia Tech @ Syracuse || 7:00 || ACCN
- Clemson @ Louisville || 7:00 || ESPNU
- SMU @ UNC || 9:00 || ACCN
- Beat writers split if Syracuse will beat Georgia Tech
- Syracuse Orange look for first ACC win of season vs. Georgia Tech
- Syracuse men’s basketball: what to watch for vs Georgia Tech
- Syracuse desperate for its first ACC win against Georgia Tech
- Tale of The Tape, Predictions: Louisville vs. Clemson
- Clemson briefs: Tigers travel to face Louisville tonight
- PREVIEW: Louisville basketball looks to stay hot against Clemson
- BOZICH | Pat Kelsey already has 1 signature win over Clemson. Can he snag another at Louisville?
- Improved Louisville prepares for big ACC test against Clemson
- UNC Basketball searches for consistency as they host SMU to continue ACC play
- Seth Trimble injury update: Hubert Davis reveals UNC guard’s status ahead of SMU game
- Can UNC ride momentum of dramatic win into SMU matchup?
- UNC vs SMU: Injury Report, Starting 5, & More as Hubert Davis Looks to Capitalize ACC Momentum
- Analyst believes next two games are must-wins for UNC basketball?