Maryland vs Clemson Preview

The Terps will look to get back in the ACC race with a win today over the Clemson Tigers. They welcome Clemson to the Comcast Center for their only meeting in the regular season. Maryland will move to 2-3 and a tie with Tigers in the ACC standings coming off rough losses to Villanova and Virginia Tech. The Terrapins come into this afternoon's game on short rest after an ugly loss to VT on Thursday night. It seems that almost every game in the ACC from here on out is going to be a must-win for the Terps in the regular season conference race and to build a strong case to compete in the NCAA Tournament.

Jordan Williams is sure to continue to be a main focus in the Terrapin offense, bringing a 12-game double-double streak into today's game, tying the school record set by Len Elmore in 1974. Look for Williams to get the ball inside as the Tigers will have a tough time matching up with his size throughout this game. Williams and Dino Gregory will hope to play strong down low defensively against a smaller Tigers team.

The Clemson Tigers will try to rebound from a 10-point loss to North Carolina in Chapel Hill Tuesday that halted an 8-game winning streak, while only 2 wins were in the ACC. Tanner Smith will miss today's game after spraining his knee against UNC. His 5o-game starting streak will end today as Bryan Narcisse will replace him at forward in Clemson's lineup. Dematha native Jerai Grant will be matched up with Jordan Williams at center, giving up 2 inches and 30 pounds to the Maryland big man. Demontez Stitt will make Clemson's offense go against the Terrapins. He is shooting over 50% from 3-point range and has a 32-6 assist/turnover ratio since coming back from injury. It will be very important for the Terrapins to slow him down.

Today's Maryland-Clemson game will feature two teams that are trying to get back to the top of the ACC as conference play continues. Wins early in the ACC schedule are important to have so teams can have a leg up on conference foes down the stretch. Both the Terrapins and Tigers know they need this win. Be sure to tune in to WMUCSports.com for our radio broadcast and keep it here for WMUC's Maryland men's basketball live blog!