(Preview from the Sports Network)
GAME NOTES: Michigan and Clemson will collide this evening in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge, as the Tigers host the Wolverines at Littlejohn Coliseum.
Michigan has won all three of the previous matchups against Clemson, including a 62-59 decision during the 2008-9 campaign.
The Wolverines' season began with three straight wins, but each victory came at home, and the team's fortunes quickly changed once outside of Ann Arbor. As part of the Legends Classic in Atlantic City, Michigan stumbled twice, falling to Syracuse (53-50) and Texas-El Paso (65-56).
As for the Tigers, they have played very well in the early stages of the season, winning five of their first six games, and the lone loss was a one- point setback to Old Dominion. At the present moment, Clemson is riding a two- game winning streak with the most recent win coming against South Carolina State by a lopsided 69-54 margin.
The last time Michigan was in action the team surrendered over 60 points for the first time this season, and combined with a poor effort offensively, the Wolverines were doomed. Sure, Michigan allowed 65 points, but that would have been manageable if the team did not shoot a putrid 30.2 percent from the floor, while connecting on just 5-of-29 attempts from long range. Darius Morris was still able to produce in the loss, as the guard poured in 20 points, to go along with his seven rebounds and four assists. Morris has been the most consistent player on the floor for Michigan and comes into this game averaging a team-high 14.0 ppg, to go along with 35 assists, which also leads the team. Tim Hardaway Jr, who is currently second on the team with 11.4 ppg, was limited the setback, netting just one of his eight shots, while finishing with just six points.
The Tigers come into this matchup holding opponents to just 60.3 ppg, so it should not be surprising that Clemson limited South Carolina State to just 54 points in their recent meeting on the court. The Tigers were ferocious, and also forced 17 turnovers in the win, which led to 13 points. Clemson shot 46.9 percent in the victory and was paced by Milton Jennings, who finished with a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds. Jerai Grant also tallied 16 points and collected eight boards, while Demontez Stitt posted 14 points in the win. Stitt is currently leading the team with 13.7 ppg, while Jennings is contributing 10.2 ppg. They are the only double-figure scorers for Clemson, but Andre Young, Devin Booker and Tanner Smith are also on the cusp and come into this contest posting 9.5 ppg apiece.
The Wolverines have had Clemson's number in all three matchups, but this time around Michigan is vulnerable against a Tigers team that is flawless at home this year.
GAME NOTES: Michigan and Clemson will collide this evening in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge, as the Tigers host the Wolverines at Littlejohn Coliseum.
FACTS & STATS: Site: Littlejohn Coliseum (10,000) -- Clemson, South Carolina. Television: ESPN2. Home Record: Michigan 3-0, Clemson 3-0. Away Record: Michigan 0-0, Clemson 0-0. Neutral Record: Michigan 0-2, Clemson 2-1. Conference Record: Michigan 0-0, Clemson 0-0. Series Record: Michigan leads, 3-0.
Tuesday, November 30th, 9:00 p.m. (et)
Clemson 60, Michigan 56