Davidson vs Clemson Odds, Picks and Predictions: Wildcats Come Out Firing

Davidson will be looking to make an early season statement when they face off against Clemson in the championship game of the Asheville tournament as major underdogs in the college basketball odds.

These teams have played two games thus far, and each has been a pleasant surprise compared to their preseason expectations. Clemson got here by defeating a talented UAB team by a single point. The Tigers trailed by nine late in the game but rallied late for the victory. Davidson needed heroics to get here as well. It upset Maryland in the semifinal via a game-winning 3-pointer by freshman Bobby Durkin.

What's the best bet in this matchup? Find out in our free college basketball picks for Sunday, November 12.

Davidson vs Clemson best odds

Davidson vs Clemson picks and predictions

Most people would have expected a different championship game here. 

You might have thought that Maryland would have done its job and defeated Davidson. Then, on the other hand, nobody would have been shocked if UAB had taken care of Clemson. After all, they were a slight favorite in that game. But this is our matchup, and the story is primarily about what Davidson has done to get to this spot. At least as it relates to my handicap. 

"I believe that we are doing the right things here as a coaching staff," Davidson head coach Matt McKillop said. "I believe we are doing the right things with the people we're trying to bring into this program."

The early indications are that long-time assistant and son of long-time head coach Bob McKillop should be a success. It's not just the tiny data sample size of two wins in two games — it's a broader conversation. The Wildcats look the part when they take the floor and look prepared to attack their opponent's weaknesses. This signals that Davidson will be the more ready team out of the gates today, and I'm grabbing them to reach 20 points first as my best bet.

Davidson just missed out on winning the race to 20 against Maryland earlier in this tournament. It jumped out to a 10-2 lead but then allowed a run after the first television timeout that would get the Terps back into the game. However, the thought process behind the handicap held there as Davidson was more prepared. I expect them to have a coaching advantage over head coach Brad Brownell today. He is a coach I've faded often, especially in a situation like this, and it's been a profitable bet. 

The numbers for Brownell on short prep are alarming. Since taking over at Clemson, he has the worst ATS record on a one day's rest in the ACC at 11-21, covering at just a 34% clip. Expand that to wins or losses, and it gets no better. Brownell is 18-20 outright in such situations, which is good for the second-worst record in the ACC. This says volumes about how Clemson should be expected to perform here on a short turnaround against a coach with all the credentials to be excellent in such spots. 

I've gone this far without mentioning any players or the Xs and Os of this matchup because they are secondary to how much Brownell struggles in these spots. However, there are advantages here for Davidson. 

Clemson's offense runs through PJ Hall. He's one of the best players in the ACC, and his versatility at his size should challenge Davidson. However, the Wildcats should be able to provide enough resistance, especially early on where Hall profits, and that's rolling to the basket off screens. Since last December, they've allowed just .75 points per possession on those sets.

I expect the Wildcats' spot-up shooters to be an issue for Clemson. There's no Foster Loyer on this team, but there's still a group of great shooters that can hurt a weak perimeter defensive team in the Tigers. Its sharp cutting and screening could catch Clemson off guard — another feather in the cap of backing the Wildcats early.

My best bet: Davidson to win race to 20 points (+170 at bet365)

Davidson vs Clemson same-game parlay

Davidson to win race to 20 points

Over 138.5

+400 at bet365

We're pairing our best bet with the Over here for a nice cash on today's same-game parlay.

Clemson has already faced a more stern defensive test in UAB and passed with an offensive rating of over 1. While I expect Davidson to give Hall some issues, Clemson will eventually adjust to find some free-flowing scoring around the rim.

Conversely, I expect Clemson to struggle to guard Davidson beyond the arc.

Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.

Davidson vs Clemson spread and Over/Under analysis

I lean towards Davidson at +8 or better. That seems like too much, given the spot.

Again, this falls back to Brownell's struggles covering or playing well on short rest. It's been a critical reason Clemson has struggled in any tournament setting during his tenure. The risk of going all in on this narrative is that we still don't know much about McKillop. We see the philosophy and what he's about, but questions remain about how he will perform as a head coach.

I like the Over, and it has steadily risen this morning. It started the day at 137.5 and appears poised to close at 140. 

I've been surprised by how good the Clemson offense has been at the start of the season. The opening night win over Winthrop meant nothing, but the UAB victory was impressive, and the Tigers posted a solid 1.14 points per possession. Conversely, Davidson has started the very young season leading the country in 3-point shooting — a place the Tigers haven't always defended well. I made this number 141.5.

Davidson vs Clemson betting trend to know

Brad Brownell is 11-21 ATS on one day's rest as Clemson's head coach. Find more college basketball betting trends for Davidson vs. Clemson.

Davidson vs Clemson game info

Davidson vs Clemson key injuries

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