Penn State vs. Clemson
Big Ten-ACC Challenge
Tipoff: 8 p.m., Bryce Jordan Center
Records: Penn State (3-0); Clemson (4-0).
Coaches: Ed DeChellis is 19-42 in three seasons at Penn State and 124-125 in 10 seasons overall. Oliver Purnell is 30-34 in two seasons at Clemson and 286-225 in 18 seasons overall.
Series: Clemson leads, 2-1.
Last Meeting: The Tigers beat the Lions 79-70 in Anderson, S.C., in 2002.
TV: ESPNU (John Sciambi play by play, Donny Marshall color).
Radio: ESPN Radio 1430 WVAM, ESPN Radio 1450 WMAJ (Steve Jones play by play, Dick Jerardi color).
Next Up: Penn State is at Texas A&M Dec. 3.
Probable Starters: Penn State -- G Ben Luber, 6-0 Jr. (10.7); G David Jackson, 6-1 Jr. (7.3); F Geary Claxton, 6-5 So. (14.0); F Travis Parker, 6-5 Sr. (10.3); C Brandon Hassell, 6-10 So. (4.3). Clemson -- G Vernon Hamilton, 6-0 Jr. (8.8); G Cliff Hammonds, 6-3 So. (9.0); F Sam Perry, 6-5 So. (10.8); F James Mayes, 6-9 So, (9.0); C Akin Akingbala, 6-9 Sr. (11.5).
Notes: Penn State has been out of the Big Ten-ACC Challenge the past two seasons. … Typical of the Nittany Lions' second-rate treatment in this challenge, this is one of only two games (there are 11 in all) NOT being carried on ESPN or ESPN2. Wednesday night's clash between Northwestern and Virginia is also being carried by ESPNU, which is not part of the basic cable package in the State College area. … The Tigers return three of their top six scorers from a team that went 16-16 overall and 5-11 in the ACC last season. … Don't let the two unbeaten records fool you. The seven teams these clubs have beaten own a collective 7-22 record vs. major college opponents and read like a “Who's that?” of college basketball. … This is Toys for Tots night. Anyone donating a toy at the door receives admission for $1.
FOS Prediction: Clemson 78, Penn State 75
Comment: In a battle of rebuilding programs, the one further along in its development gets the (slight) edge.
FOS Prediction Record: 3-0.
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