Clemson Tigers Men's Basketball Hosts Notre Dame

Clemson huddles during their win over North Carolina, Monday, February 10, 2025. (Photo By: Charles Mays/Tiger View Media)

Game Preview

The No. 13 Clemson Tigers Men's Basketball team will welcome Notre Dame at 7 p.m. on ACC Network. Notre Dame is coming off a win over Pittsburgh, improving to a 12-15 overall record (6-10 in ACC play). The Irish are fighting to solidify a spot in the conference tournament, currently sitting at No. 12, with only the top 15 teams qualifying. However, an upset over a Clemson team that has defeated ACC opponents by double digits 12 times this season seems unlikely.

Notre Dame's Struggles in Close Games

Head Coach Micah Shrewsberry’s second season has been characterized by an inability to finish close games down the stretch. The Irish are 3-6 in games decided by six or fewer points, with three of these losses coming by just one possession. This pattern has particularly held true in league play.

Markus Burton Leading the Way

The reigning ACC Rookie of the Year, Markus Burton, has been a shining star for the program since returning from a knee injury in January. Burton has scored 20+ points in 11 of his 14 games and is now averaging 21.2 ppg in ACC play, ranking second in the league behind Duke’s Cooper Flagg (21.8). Entering Wednesday’s matchup, Burton is approaching 1,000 career points with 983.

Injury Concerns for the Irish

While Burton has made a positive recovery, injuries have troubled other players within the program. Against Pittsburgh, key contributors Braeden Shrewsberry (abdomen) and Matt Allocco (right wrist) were both sidelined. This marks senior guard Allocco’s fifth missed game. Both are still believed to be game-time decisions. Due to these absences, other Irish players have been forced to step up.

Tae Davis Stepping Up

Tae Davis has risen to the challenge. In their latest victory, the junior led the team with 21 points on 8-11 shooting. The forward is shooting a career-best 50.2%, ranking fifth in the ACC. He’s also averaging 15.8 ppg, up from last year’s 9.2 ppg. Davis and Burton will have to continue their efficiency to stay in contention with Clemson’s offensive firepower.

Clemson’s Dominance This Season

The Tigers (22-5) have been on a tear this season. Saturday’s 79-69 victory over SMU tied a program record for most ACC wins in a single season at 14. Jaeden Zackery delivered a career-high 19-point performance with five made three-pointers. He also tallied six rebounds, seven assists, and five steals.

Teamwork Driving Clemson's Success

Clemson's unselfish play has propelled their offense. The Tigers recorded a season-high 24 assists against SMU and now average 14.9 assists per game. Seven of those came from guard Dillon Hunter.

Hunter has started the last four games, replacing forward Chauncey Wiggins. This move by head coach Brad Brownell, following a triple-overtime loss to Georgia Tech, has greatly benefited the team. Hunter has set new career highs in points (17) and assists (7) within this span. On both sides of the ball, he embodies the grit heavily preached by the program.

Key Contributions Off the Bench

Despite coming off the bench, Wiggins has continued to contribute. In a win over Florida State, he added 10 points and eight rebounds. Clemson is 12-1 when the Georgia native scores in double digits.

Prediction: Clemson Looks to Set a Record

Luck favored the Irish in a 69-62 win over the Tigers last season, but Clemson is one of the hottest teams in the NCAA right now. With contributions from the entire team and a lockdown interior defense, Clemson is primed to continue their dominance. Look for the Tigers to secure their 15th ACC victory, setting a program record on Wednesday night.