Preview of the upcoming game between Wake Forest and Clemson.
The situation has been described in various ways: implosion, self-destruction, complete collapse. After defeating Duke, Wake Forest was riding high and seemed poised for an NCAA Tournament spot, but they’ve since suffered three consecutive losses, each in frustrating ways. Their chances for an at-large bid are now slim, though not impossible with significant effort.
Certain requirements must be met for Wake Forest to secure an at-large bid, beginning with a victory against Clemson on Saturday. To re-enter contention for Selection Sunday in Washington D.C., they’ll likely need to secure at least two wins, although a third might be necessary. The uncertainty surrounding their situation leaves them with no alternative but to start winning again.
Game info
Teams: Wake Forest (18-12, 10-9 ACC) vs Clemson (21-9, 11-8 ACC)
Date: Saturday March 9
Time: 6pm ET
Location: LJVM Coliseum; Winston-Salem, NC
- The broadcast will be aired on the ACC Network, featuring commentators Wes Durham and Eric Devendorf.
The measurements or statistics.
Clemson showcases a highly versatile offense, boasting a 54.3 effective field-goal percentage. They rank 36th nationally in two-point shooting, 74th in three-point shooting, and 12th in free-throw shooting, with a low turnover rate. On the defensive end, they exhibit solid efficiency, nearly breaking into the top 50.
Clemson effectively limits opponent three-point opportunities and offensive rebounds, although they don’t excel in forcing turnovers.
The contest
Q1: 5-4, Q2: 5-3, Q3: 6-2, Q4: 5-0
Top victory :85-77 road victory over Alabama (Nov. 28)
Lowest points:93-90 home defeat to Georgia Tech (Jan. 16)
Key players
The obvious choice is PJ Hall, the skilled 6’10” forward who is likely to make it onto my All-ACC ballot this weekend. However, Schieffelin is the underappreciated but crucial component for Clemson. Standing at 6’8″, his size provides forward capabilities along with the versatility of a big guard. He’s agile yet powerful.
The statistics are exceptional. His offensive rating of 131.9 ranks 19th in the nation, while his effective field-goal percentage of 63.8% places him at 22nd. His true shooting percentage is even higher. He excels at grabbing offensive rebounds and is outstanding on the defensive glass. According to the stats, he’s among the top shooters and rebounders in the ACC. Moreover, he’s capable of making open three-pointers when the opportunity arises.
Last season, when he had a less pivotal role in the Tigers’ success, Wake Forest managed to contain him. With him and Hall as key factors, the Deacs will face a formidable challenge
Hunter sallis
Hunter Sallis is a standout player in the ACC and is considered Wake Forest’s top talent. The team’s success often hinges on his performances. In the game against Georgia Tech, Sallis bounced back with a 22-point performance after scoring a combined 18 points in losses to Notre Dame and Georgia Tech.
However, there were moments when Sallis appeared to lack full confidence in himself until Wake Forest began to mount a comeback. For the Deacs to secure victories in significant matchups, Sallis must be the primary contributor. It’s a challenging position for him to be in, with the team heavily relying on his performance, but it seems to be the reality.
To return to their winning streak, Wake Forest will need Sallis to ignite with determination, exhibit confidence, and compete fiercely for the entire 40 minutes of play.
Prediction:
Prior to the losing streak, I would have predicted Wake Forest to win this game. The team had an undefeated record at home, and while Clemson had impressive victories, they didn’t seem overly intimidating. However, my confidence in Wake Forest has waned.
It’s challenging to have faith in them at the moment. Now, they need to demonstrate their capability to win games, whether at home or on the road, for me to consider picking them.
I’m unable to do so until there’s a change.
Clemson wins 74-66
