Game 10 Preview – Clemson
Intro/History Between Teams:
This will be a first time meeting between the Clemson Tigers and Loyola Ramblers. Though the location for the game has history, as Loyola last played there at 2018 Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight games. So hopefully history repeats itself Saturday as the Rambles look to stay hot before conference play begins.
Main Storyline For This Game:
Can the Ramblers continue the winning ways from this past Tuesday? Last time out the team kept Green Bay to under 50 points and under 30 percent from field goal. The goal would be to continue with this defensive mindset, that’s the key to the next stretch of games. With the scoring defense just under 70 points for the first time this season, a defensive spark could be the answer the team needs before conference play. Being able to lock down on one side of the court is going to be crucial to getting the win over high scoring opponents. Being on top of the ball and not allowing back door wide open looks can limit the opportunities for Clemson to get on a run.
Drew needs to figure out the rotations that can find that locked down defense. Last time out we saw more than 5 guys play double figure minutes, so I get that there still is some searching to be down. Though it worked against Green Bay the team could easily go back to a 8 man rotation against Clemson Saturday. The concern here is that getting players gassed before the 2nd half with DePaul as an example of that defense. Having a 10 man rotation is a solid chance for this team to push it all game long. I want to see ball movement like we saw Tuesday where having different rotations gives Braden a chance for off ball scoring and mismatches where Phil can power it up to the rim.
Hot or Not and Whom to Watch:
HOT: Braden Norris finding his spot from deep. Braden had a great game from three going 4 of 6 from 3PT, electrifying the offense. All of his threes were assists, this is exactly the ball movement we need to see each game. Allowing Braden to move without the ball elevates the offensive potential this team has. Look for Braden to want to extend the double figure scoring games to four straight and limiting turnovers outings.
NOT: Season scoring margin and turnovers. The Ramblers still need to keep opponents scoring down and slowing the ball movement down. The team’s season has been plagued by these two issues of letting teams get out on big runs the Ramblers can’t stop. And then fueling these runs with poor passing, just handing the ball over for an easy bucket down the other end. Getting our turnover margin positive can help turn games in the Ramblers favor more often then we have seen this season.
Game Time, Broadcast Info, Ticket Availability
- Saturday, December 10th 2022 6:30 PM CT
- ESPN+
- TV: ACC Network
- LISTEN: Rambler Sport Network
Probable Starting Lineups:
Loyola
G: Braden Norris
G: Marquise Kennedy
F: Ben Schwieger
F: Phil Alston
C: Tom Welch
Clemson
G: Galloway
G: Hemenway
G: Hunter
F: Tyson
C: Hall
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By The Numbers:
- Points Per Game
- Loyola: 67.2 points/game
- Clemson: 76.3 points/game
- Points Allowed Per Game
- Loyola: 69.1 points/game
- Clemson: 66.5 points/game
- Will History Repeat itself
- Loyola: Last time in this arena Ramblers won Sweet 16 and Elite 8 Games
- Clemson: 4 game winning streak
