Capsule: Clemson’s frontcourt presents defensive challenge for Duke
No. 9 Duke at Clemson
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Bon Secours Wellness Arena, Greenville, S.C.
TV/Radio: ESPN2, 96.5-WFLB, 620-WDNC
Projected starting lineups
No. 9 Duke (14-2, 3-0 ACC)
G Derryck Thornton 9.1 ppg, 2.1 apg
G Matt Jones 13.9 ppg, 3.1 rpg
G Grayson Allen 20.5 ppg, 5.3 rpg
G/F Brandon Ingram 16.4 ppg, 6.1 rpg
C Marshall Plumlee 7.6 ppg, 7.3 rpg
Clemson (10-6, 3-1 ACC)
G Jordan Roper 9.1 ppg, 4.0 apg
G Avry Holmes 10.7 ppg, 2.6 rpg
F Donte Grantham 9.9 ppg, 3.9 rpg
F Jaron Blossomgame 15.4 ppg 7.1 rpg
C Landry Nnoko 8.5 ppg, 5.5 rpg
Observations
The Tigers aren’t an ideal matchup for Duke, as their frontcourt size presents a defensive challenge. Forwards Donte Grantham and Jaron Blossomgame are 6-foot-8, 210 pounds and 6-foot-7, 220 pounds, respectively. Matt Jones (6-foot-5, 200 pounds) and Grayson Allen (6-foot-5, 205 pounds) are shorter than both both, and Brandon Ingram (6-foot-9, 190 pounds) will be pushed to hold his own against a more physically mature player. And the Tigers play physical. They attempted 44 free throws in their win over Louisville and made 32.
Clemson is playing its home games 40 minutes northeast of campus this season as Littlejohn Coliseum, is undergoing a $63.5 million renovation.
Laura Keeley
This story was originally published January 12, 2016 at 5:12 PM with the headline "Capsule: Clemson’s frontcourt presents defensive challenge for Duke."