#22 Clemson (2-0) @ UNCG (0-2)

When: Friday, Nov 20 7 pm
Where: Greensboro Coliseum (7,617/23,500)
TV: FSN, ESPN Full-court, ESPN 360

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UNCG Athletics Preview

Spartan Notes:
- Last time out, UNCG came up short in Blacksburg against Virginia Tech 59-46. The Hokies used an 11-0 run midway through the second half the hold off UNCG's upset bid. Kyle Randall and Mikko Koivisito led UNCG with 10 points each. Ben Stywall pulled down 8 rebounds. 23 turnovers really hurt the Spartans' cause.
- This will be UNCG's first game in their new home, the Greensboro Coliseum. Even though it can seat up to 23,500, it will be configured for most games to hold 7,617 fans.
- Through 2 games, Ben Stywall leads UNCG in points (12.5) and rebounds (8). Freshman Kyle Randall is averaging 9.5 points and team leading 3 assists.
- So far this season, UNCG is shooting 37.8% from the field, 31.8% from behind the arc and 58.6% from the free throw line.

Tigers Notes:
Last time out, Clemson thrashed Liberty, 79-39, in an odd 10 am game. The game was part of ESPN's "24 hours of basketball" promotion. David Potter led Clemson with 17 points as the Tigers hit 10 3 pointers in the game and caused 28 Liberty turnovers.
- Clemson is currently ranked #22 in the AP poll. The Tigers are just one spot lower, at #23, in the ESPN/USA Today poll.
- Last season, Clemson went 23-9 and lost in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
- Clemson was picked to finish 3rd in the ACC this year. Trevor Booker was voted 1st team All-ACC (he was 3rd in Preseason POY voting).
- The Tigers have won 28 straight games in November and haven't lost a November game since 2004.
- Clemson lost 3 of their 5 starters from last season. Only Booker and Demontez Stitt return.
- The Tigers are averaging a ridiculous 19 a game through their first 2 games.
- Currently, Potter leads Clemson in scoring (12.5) while hitting 70% of his 3 point attempts. Booker is averaging a double-double with 11.5 point per game and 10 rebounds per game. Stitt and sophomore Andre Young are both averaging 4.5 assists per game.
- On the young season, Clemson is shooting 45.6% from the field, 44.4% from 3 point range and 62.5% from the free throw line.

My Thoughts:
The Spartans have one more game in the ACC gauntlet before taking a little break. UNCG will need to value the basketball in this game to have any chance. Plus, they will have to keep Clemson from getting a lot of transition looks at the basket.

The Tigers stats jump of the page. These guys are "scary" good and have already blown their first 2 opponents out (one on the road). Hopefully, UNCG can feed off the energy and excitement of playing at the coliseum in front of its home crowd. If that can happen, maybe the Spartans can be in it at the end.

Go Spartans !!!