Sunday evenings have become synonymous with the ACC and FSN, and for this week, the network brings a conference clash between Maryland and Clemson. The Terps went into the weekend atop the league standings, but undoubtedly, this will be their toughest ACC

2010-02-01

Sunday evenings have become synonymous with the ACC and FSN, and for this week, the network brings a conference clash between Maryland and Clemson. The Terps went into the weekend atop the league standings, but undoubtedly, this will be their toughest ACC game to date. Expect to see a desperate effort from host Clemson, who can’t afford another league loss and still maintain hope of a league title. What will be interesting is how oddsmakers at Sportsbook.com gauge the expected effort of the Tigers.

The Terrapins started the season in the Top 25 and haven’t returned since losing two of three in Hawaii. That started a period of dissonant play in December, however since the calendar started a new year, Maryland (14-5, 8-6 ATS) is looking more like a ranked team again, winning six of seven, including four in a row (6-0 ATS in January). Senior guard Greivis Vasquez is good for at least 20 points most nights and Landon Milbourne has regained a level of more consistent play. Truthfully, Maryland was probably a bit overrated to begin with. The Terps will need everyone to play well against Clemson’s full court press, and they boast a 16-6 ATS record in road games since 2007.

Clemson (15-6, 9-9 ATS) begins an important stretch of games, playing four of the next five at home after losing three in a row. Finished with Duke and North Carolina, the Tigers can write their own ticket for the ACC, trying to maneuver up from eighth place. Clemson has frequently played imposing basketball, but can’t sustain it for two halves often enough. They’ve built big leads and lost them, fallen behind, then made furious comebacks. Coach Oliver Purnell would prefer to see the momentum pendulum not swing so dramatically. Clemson is 12-4 ATS in home games facing teams converting 45 or percent of their shots.

Maryland has won seven of 11 at Clemson with a 4-6-1 ATS mark. The StatFox Power Line shows Clemson by 1, signs pointing to a tight, down-to-the-wire game.

Click here to read latest College Basketball news