Jacob Kupferman SUSA Icon Sport
Clemson vs Baylor: West Region – Second round
The Clemson Tigers will take on the Baylor Bears in the second round of the West Region at FedExForum in Memphis, TN on Sunday afternoon.
Is this the top for the Tigers?
The Clemson Tigers were very solid in the opening round, defeating New Mexico 77-56. They shot only 44.4% from the field but held the opponent to 29.7% from the field and 13% from three-point territory. Chase Hunter was the leading scorer with 21 points. However, that was only the second win in the last five games for Clemson. The Tigers are 55th in the nation, shooting 46.7% from the field, and are ranked teen spots lower, scoring 77.4 points per game. PJ Hall leads the team with 18.7 points and 6.5 rebounds per game.
Is Baylor ready for the Final Four?
The Baylor Bears had a dominant performance, winning 92-67 against Colgate in the first round of the NCAA tournament. They shot excellent 57.9% from the field and 53.3% for three connecting on 16 of 30 attempts from deep. Four Bears players scored in double digits, led by Jalen Bridges with 23 points. That was a nice bounce back for Baylor, which previously lost 76-62 to Iowa State in the semifinal of the Pac-12 championship. Baylor is 26th in the nation, shooting 48.6% from the field, and is ranked 30th, scoring 80.9 points per game. Ja’Kobe Walter leads the team with 14.4 points per game.
Betting Trends
Clemson is 18-14-1 ATS for the season, 2-3-0 ATS on neutral site and 10-10-1 ATS following a win. Baylor is 20-11-2 ATS for the season, 4-3-1 ATS on neutral site and 12-8-2 ATS following a loss.
Prediction and Conclusion
Both teams got their confidence back after early exits in the conference tournaments. It is a fact that their opponents were coming from conferences that do not produce a lot of talent, but winning by 20 or more is definitely a promising start. Both teams are very solid on the offensive end, but the pressure will make the difference in this one. Baylor has a more experienced roster and is capable of taking control early in the game. Clemson has its limitations, and the Bears are winning this one by covering the -4.5-point spread.
