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Teams: Syracuse Orange (14-11, 8-6) vs. Clemson Tigers (7-19, 3-12)
Day and Time: Thursday, February 20, 6 p.m. ET
Location: Carrier Dome, Syracuse, NY.
Where to Watch: ACC Network Extra
Clemson Blog: Shakin The Southland
Current Record: 8-0, Syracuse
Last Meeting: After knocking down sixteen shots from beyond the arc, the Orange beat Clemson for a good road win.
Head Coaches: Syracuse - Quentin Hillsman (14th season, 302-155 at SU) | Clemson - Amanda Butler (27-30, 2nd season at Clemson)
Coach Bio: Coach Amanda Butler is one of the more underrated coaches in college hoops. Last season, she was hired by the Tigers after being fired by Florida, her alma mater. She served as head coach for the Gators from 2007-17, winning 190 games and making it to four NCAA tournaments. In her first season as Clemson head coach, she took the Tigers to the second round of the NCAA tournament and finished with a 20-13 record.
Last Year: The Tigers finished with a 20-13 record which was good for seventh place in the ACC. They were beaten by Mississippi State in the second round.
Last Game: Clemson got trampled by Miami at home 63-48. It was their eighth consecutive loss, as the derailed season isn’t looking like it’s going to get back on the tracks any longer.
“Fear Me, I’ve Killed Hundreds of Timelords”: Clemson has a few players that worry me, but one in particular I feel could have a big day. Redshirt junior Kendall Spray has been very effective in her first year of action for the Tigers. She’s a transfer from Tennessee Martin where she won OVC freshman of the year, and has been an incredibly efficient scorer in ACC play. Her ability to shoot the three has kept Clemson in some games this year, especially against Notre Dame when she knocked down 8. Expect the zone to get out on her today, something Lewis and Cooper have been doing a good job of as of late.
If Syracuse Wins: Clemson isn’t very good, so this is one we have to get. Another win in ACC play keeps moving the needle, and the Orange bubble situation starts to get better. A win here sets the Orange up to remain part of a postseason conversation.
If Syracuse loses: Four steps back. A loss to a weak Clemson team is something that would be the reason the Orange are left off on Selection day regardless of what happens the rest of the season.