As the calendar flips to 2025, college basketball fans are gearing up for an exciting matchup between the Stanford Cardinal and the Clemson Tigers. This game promises to be a thrilling contest, showcasing two teams eager to solidify their standings in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). With both teams sporting impressive records and a host of talented players, there’s plenty to dissect as we dive into this upcoming clash.

Date: Wednesday, January 1, 2025

Time: 5:00 PM ET

Arena: Littlejohn Coliseum, Clemson, SC

Current Form

Stanford Cardinal

The Stanford Cardinal entered this game with a record of 9-3 and a recent performance that shows both promise and inconsistency. After a strong start to the season, they faced a setback against Oregon, losing 76-61 in their last outing. Despite this loss, Stanford has demonstrated offensive firepower, averaging 78.1 points per game this season.

Their standout player, Maxime Raynaud, leads the team with an impressive 21.4 points and 11.8 rebounds per game, making him a formidable presence on the court.

However, Stanford’s defense has been a mixed bag. They allow an average of 69.9 points per game, which places them in the middle tier of defensive efficiency. Their ability to force turnovers has been decent, but they need to tighten up their perimeter defense to avoid giving up easy three-point shots.

Clemson Tigers

On the other side, the Clemson Tigers boast a record of 10-3, including a solid 2-0 start in conference play. They are coming off a victory against Wake Forest, where they secured a 73-62 win. Clemson’s offense is equally potent, averaging 77.9 points per game, with Chase Hunter leading the charge at 16.8 points per game.

Defensively, Clemson has been impressive, allowing only 66.5 points per game and ranking among the top teams in the ACC for defensive efficiency. Their ability to rebound effectively and limit second-chance opportunities for opponents will be crucial in this matchup.

Key Statistics

Offensive Efficiency

Stanford: 78.1 PPG; eFG%: 47.1%
Clemson: 77.9 PPG; eFG%: 45.7%

Defensive Efficiency

Stanford: 69.9 PPG allowed; Opponent eFG%: 45.2%
Clemson: 66.5 PPG allowed; Opponent eFG%: 42.5%

Rebounding and Turnover Rates

Stanford: 33.2 RPG; Turnovers: 14.3 per game
Clemson: 33.7 RPG; Turnovers: 10.6 per game

These statistics highlight that while both teams can score effectively, Clemson’s defensive capabilities give them an edge heading into this matchup.

Notable Injuries

As of now, both teams appear to be healthy with no significant injuries reported that could impact their performance on January 1st. This is crucial as both coaches will have their full rosters available for this important conference clash.

Why I Pick the Over on Total Points (142)

Given the offensive capabilities of both teams and their recent scoring trends, I am confident in picking the over on the total points set at 142 for this matchup.

Scoring Potential

Both teams have shown they can put up points in bunches:

In their last five games, Stanford averaged over 75 points, while Clemson has been consistently scoring around 75-80 points.
The combination of Raynaud’s scoring prowess and Clemson’s balanced offensive attack suggests that both teams will find ways to score effectively.

Prediction Models

Using five respected NCAA basketball prediction models—KenPom, Bart Torvik, Sagarin Ratings, Haslametrics, and BPI—the projected scores indicate a high-scoring affair:

KenPom predicts Clemson will win 80-68
Bart Torvik suggests a score of 79-70
Sagarin Ratings forecast a final of 81-69
Haslametrics estimates a score of 78-72
BPI projects Clemson winning by a score of 77-70

These predictions collectively suggest that not only will both teams score above their averages but also that the combined total will exceed the set line of 142 points.

Final Thoughts

With both teams eager to maintain their momentum in conference play and showcase their offensive talents, expect an exhilarating game filled with scoring opportunities. The combination of Stanford’s dynamic offense led by Raynaud and Clemson’s balanced attack makes for an exciting matchup that could easily surpass the total points line.

In conclusion, my prediction for this game is:

Clemson Tigers 80 – Stanford Cardinal 70

This projection supports my confidence in betting on the over for total points at 142, as both teams have shown they can light up the scoreboard when it matters most.

PICK: over 142 total points WIN