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January 17, 2026
Littlejohn Coliseum
Pre-Game Analysis

Preview: Miami at Clemson

Clemson Tigers Face Off Against Miami Hurricanes in Crucial ACC Matchup

The stage is set for a thrilling ACC showdown as the Clemson Tigers take on the Miami Hurricanes in what promises to be an electric atmosphere. The Tigers, led by RJ Godfrey's consistent scoring (12.0 PPG), have been on a tear lately, with five consecutive victories that have propelled them up the conference standings.

The Hurricanes, meanwhile, are riding high on the momentum of their recent undefeated streak, which has seen them dispatch teams like Georgia Tech and Pitt. Malik Reneau's dominance in the paint (20.6 PPG) has been a key factor in Miami's success, while Tre Donaldson's 6.8 assists per game have made him a threat from behind the arc.

This matchup pits two top-notch teams against each other, with both sides boasting impressive resumes. The Tigers' Dillon Hunter (2.9 APG) and Carter Welling (5.6 RPG) will be crucial in matching up against the Hurricanes' Ernest Udeh Jr. (10.2 RPG), a physical force on the glass.

But it's not just about individual matchups – the rebounding battle is expected to be a deciding factor in this one. Both teams have been impressive on the glass, with Clemson's Welling and Miami's Udeh Jr. forming one of the most potent rebounding duos in the conference.

As we head into the final stretch of the regular season, both teams are hungry for a win that will propel them up the ACC standings. The stakes are high, and the tension is palpable.

Recent Form:

Clemson: 5-0

Miami: 5-0

Key Matchup Breakdown:

* RJ Godfrey (Clemson) vs Ernest Udeh Jr. (Miami): A battle of wits on the glass, with both players seeking to outmuscle each other for crucial rebounds.

* Dillon Hunter (Clemson) vs Tre Donaldson (Miami): A clash of speed and agility, as these two guards look to exploit each other's weaknesses on defense.

* Carter Welling (Clemson) vs Malik Reneau (Miami): A physical showdown in the paint, with both players seeking to assert their dominance.

The X-Factor:

Rebounding battle could determine outcome. Who will come out on top?

Tone: Anticipatory, analytical

Structure: Stakes first, then form/trends, key matchup breakdown, concluding with anticipation for the game.

Important Reminder: Do not make predictions, picks, or forecast who will win. Focus on storylines, matchups, and building anticipation without predicting outcomes.

Generated by AI 386 words 1.9 min read
Tags: Clemson Miami college basketball

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