Preview of Penn State vs. Clemson: Lions and Tigers Battle For Sunshine Slam Title

At 6-0 for the first time in a quarter century, Penn State will try to make it two-for-two down in Florida against the Clemson Tigers in the Sunshine Slam Championship. Clemson beat San Francisco yesterday, 70-55, in a game where the Tigers found themselves trailing by five at halftime, but turned on a switch in the second half to ultimately win comfortably.

Scouting the opposition

Fresh off an Elite Eight appearance in last March’s NCAA Tournament, Clemson was selected fourth in the ACC in the preseason media poll. So far, they’ve done nothing to make anyone second-guess that pick, as they’re off to a 5-1 start with their best win over KenPom-ranked 67th San Francisco in their first game at the Sunshine Slam, and their lone loss was to Boise State (44th in KenPom). The Tigers share a common opponent with the Nittany Lions in St. Francis, which they also dispatched in blowout fashion, 88-62.

Guard Chase Hunter leads Clemson with an average of 17.8 points per game. game, which includes a sizzling 14-of-29 from three-point range (48 percent), so it will be imperative for Penn State not to allow Hunter to get a lot of open looks from behind the arc. 6-foot-8 forward Ian Schieffelin is also currently averaging a double-double (11.8 points and 10.4 rebounds per game) and turned in a stellar game with 18 points, 13 rebounds and five assists in the Tigers- the victory over San. Francisco yesterday. Given how the Nittany Lions have struggled at times with defensive rebounds against lesser teams, things could get problematic very quickly if Schieffelin is allowed to have his way on the glass.

What to look for

• Konan The Enforcer – Yanic Konan Niederhauser looked out of sorts early against Fordham, getting fouled away from the basket and being benched for most of the first half. He ultimately finished with 12 points, seven rebounds and a block in just 15 minutes of action, but if PSU is going to hold off Clemson in the paint, Konan needs to be available to play 30-plus minutes, and he can’t do that. if he gets into early foul trouble.
• Set the pace – If PSU is going to win this game, they will have to put the game on their terms with their up-tempo, full-court press, pick up steals style of play. If Clemson is able to force the Lions into a slower tempo and run a half-court offense more often than not, it could spell trouble for the Nittany Lions.
• Bombs away – Part of what also makes Penn State’s style of play so effective is their ability to knock down three-pointers on a consistent basis. Zach Hicks has led the way in this department so far, and he, along with a few other teammates, will need to be on track again today to earn the dub.

Prediction of scores

This will be the toughest test PSU will face so far this young season, and it could be a harbinger of what to expect when things get into full swing in Big Ten play. That being said, Mike Rhoades’ men have been on an absolute tear when it comes to scoring and have shown a real ability to make plays when they need it most. Expect a close, competitive game throughout, but someone, whether it’s Ace Baldwin, Jr. or Zach Hicks, comes up with a big shot or two toward the end that allows PSU to remain undefeated and bring home the Sunshine Slam crown.

Penn State 81, Clemson 78