What: No. 16/18 Virginia Cavaliers (17-3, 4-2 ACC) vs. Clemson Tigers (11-9, 3-3 ACC)
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Date: January 31, 2012
Place: John Paul Jones Arena
TV: ESPN 2 / ESPN 3
Radio: Virginia Sports Radio Network
Spread: Virginia -7.5, Pomeroy: Virginia 59-48 (88%)
Last Meeting: Virginia 49, Clemson 47
Last Time Out: Clemson 71, Wake Forest 60
Series: Virginia leads 66-51
Shakin' the Southland gives us their preview of Clemson, while we give our thoughts on Virginia.
The Cavaliers narrowly escaped Raleigh this weekend with just a one-point win in what was a free lesson by the Pack on offensive rebounds. A win tonight gives Virginia 18 wins through the end of January for the first time since the Ralph Sampson era, when the Hoos had 20 wins through January during the 1981-82 season.
Clemson is without starting forward Milton Jennings, who did not travel with the team to Charlottesville as he was suspended indefinitely for academic-related issues (I think I read on Clemson boards that he was caught skipping one too many classes, though I don't purport to know anything about the situation). The 6-9, 225 lbs. junior averages 8.9 points and 5.4 rebounds per game.
Offensively, Clemson is led by senior guard Andre Young, who averages 13.9 points and 3.0 rebounds per game. He's supported by senior guard Tanner Smith (11.1 points, 5.5 rebounds) and junior forward/center Devin Booker (10.7 points, 6.8 rebounds).
Virginia is still second defensively in the country both in points allowed per game (50.6) and points allowed per possession (just 0.83). The Hoos rank fifth nationally in defensive rebounding percentage (76%), though you wouldn't know it if you had only watched the game against N.C. State.
Should be a good game tonight if you're a Virginia fan, but one can never get too confident around these parts.
Leave your pre-, in- and post-game thoughts here and Go HOOS!