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West Virginia Eyes Clemson as the Mountaineers Look to Turn the Weekend Around

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MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – As the Mountaineers look to compete for the third place game in the Shriners Children’s Charleston Classic on Sunday, at 5 p.m., let’s take a look at who WVU will have to deal with in the final game in South Carolina.

Clemson is coming off of an NCAA Tournament appearance, where they lost in the round of 64 to Rutgers. After losing leading scorer Aamir Simms to the NBA, the Tigers have kept most of their production from last season.

Clemson is led by junior guards Nick Honor and Al-Amir Dawes, who were key parts to the tournament team in 2021. Honor averages 12.0 points and 4.2 assists, while Dawes averages 10.8 points and 4.2 rebounds.

The Tigers’ leading scorer this season is PJ Hall, who has moved into the starting lineup this season. Hall averages 15.4 points and 6.2 rebounds. The 6-foot-10 forward has scored in double figures four times out of the five games this year.

Clemson will be coming off of a loss to No. 22 St. Bonaventure (68-65) in the semi-finals of the Charleston Classic. The Tigers’ four wins include Presbyterian (64-53), Wofford (76-68), Bryant (93-70) and Temple (75-48).

What’s Clemson good at?

Shooting three’s.

The Tigers have made an average of 9.0 three’s per game, shooting at a 46 percentage from beyond the arc. West Virginia is going to have to avoid double teaming the ball handler almost every single possession. Marquette, on Friday, adjusted very well to the double teams, where they would swing the passes around and find the wide-open man.

The Golden Eagles shot 8-of-13 from three in the second half, on Friday night. The Mountaineers can’t afford to have another half go like that on defense.

Clemson’s defense has been great so far this season, allowing just 61 points per game. WVU is going to have to shoot well and get some second chance opportunities if they want to have a relaxing night on offense.

West Virginia is favored by three points against Clemson.

The Mountaineers will tip-off with the Tigers on ESPN2, with the coverage starting at 5 p.m.

(Top Photo: Kelsie LeRose – WVSN)

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