Preview: South Carolina Gamecocks at Clemson Tigers

GREENVILLE, S.C. (Interstat) — A pivotal nonconference rivalry game tips off Tuesday night at the Bi-Lo Center as the Clemson Tigers host the South Carolina Gamecocks in men’s basketball.

Clemson (8-3) enters with a slight edge in record over its in-state foe, South Carolina (7-3). Both teams are coming off home victories last Saturday, with Clemson defeating Mercer 70-63 and South Carolina beating The Citadel 71-55.

The matchup features two guards in strong recent form. South Carolina’s Meechie Johnson is averaging 18.4 points over his last five games, including a 19-point effort against The Citadel. He has been a consistent offensive catalyst for the Gamecocks, scoring in double figures in eight of ten games this season.

Clemson will counter with Dillon Hunter, who is coming off a 15-point performance against Mercer. Hunter has provided steady backcourt production, averaging 11.2 points per game and showing versatility, as evidenced by a 16-point, 7-rebound outing in an overtime win at Georgia.

South Carolina has shown resilience, with two of its three losses coming in overtime, including an 86-83 defeat to Virginia Tech on Dec. 2. The Gamecocks’ offense has been potent, scoring 80 or more points in five games.

Clemson’s schedule has included tough road tests, with close losses at Alabama (90-84) and BYU (67-64). The Tigers have proven they can win tight games, edging West Virginia and Georgia in narrow victories earlier this season.

This contest serves as a final major nonconference test for both programs before holiday breaks and the start of league play. South Carolina begins Southeastern Conference action Jan. 3 against Vanderbilt. Clemson opens its Atlantic Coast Conference slate on the road at Syracuse on Dec. 31.

Tuesday’s game is scheduled for a 9 p.m. EST tip-off. The neutral-site venue in Greenville is expected to draw a split, raucous crowd for one of the Palmetto State’s most anticipated annual sporting events.