Clemson has excelled defensively through its first five games and has yet to allow over 60 points while yielding under 50 three times. The Tigers return home to face Purdue on Wednesday night in the Big Ten/ACC challenge after picking up wins over Texas-El Paso and Marist in the Old Spice Classic. Devin Booker had 15 points and 13 rebounds during Sunday’s 59-44 win over Marist as Clemson held its last two opponents to 35.4 percent shooting.
Purdue is looking for a go-to scorer following Robbie Hummel’s departure. So far, junior guard Terone Johnson has led the way with 11 points per game despite shooting 35.8 percent. He shot 7-for-25 in close losses to Villanova and Oregon State at Madison Square Garden but rebounded with a 19-point showing in Sunday’s 66-40 home victory over UNC Wilmington.
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ABOUT PURDUE (2-3): Johnson began to emerge as a potent scorer late last season as he reached double figures in his last eight games, including his only two 20-point games in wins over Michigan and St. Mary’s. This season, he is playing at less than 100 percent after suffering an ankle injury before the season opener. Senior swingman D.J. Byrd is also struggling with his shooting at 34 percent but he is the Boilermakers’ second-leading scorer at 10.8 points per game. Purdue is leading the Big Ten with an average of 16.2 offensive rebounds and that has helped outscore four of five opponents in points in the paint and second-chance points.
ABOUT CLEMSON (4-1): In coach Brad Brownell’s first season, the Tigers held 16 opponents under 60 points and won 22 games. Last season, they did it just 10 times and won 16 games. The five straight games of holding opponents under 60 points is Clemson’s longest since December 1998 under Rick Barnes. The Tigers have also held opponents to just 26.9 percent on 3-pointers. Booker and senior forward Milton Jennings are the team’s leading returning scorers and both players have shot over 50 percent.
TIP-INS
1. Clemson has won three of four meetings over Purdue. The teams have not played since Clemson’s home 61-58 victory on Nov. 27, 2007.
2. The Boilermakers are 5-6 all-time in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge while the Tigers are 9-4.
3. Purdue’s last win featured standout defense as it held UNC Wilmington to 12 second-half points, which set a school record for fewest points allowed in the second half.
PREDICTION: Clemson 63, Purdue 58
