- #6 Clemson meets #3 Baylor in the second round of March Madness on Sunday
- Both teams cruised to victory in their Round of 64 matchups
- See below for Clemson vs Baylor picks and predictions for March, 23
Clemson is the only 6-seed remaining in the March Madness bracket after beating New Mexico on Friday. All other 11 seeds advanced to the Round of 32. The Tigers came out of the gate and did not let off the gas for forty minutes of play, defeating the Lobos by 21 as 2.5-point underdogs.
Baylor played #14 Colgate and won decisively 92-67, so both of these teams enter this second round matchup feeling good.
Clemson vs Baylor Odds
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clemson Tigers | +4.5 (-110) | +165 | Over 145 (-110) |
| Baylor Bears | -4.5 (-110) | -200 | Under 145 (-110) |
The college basketball odds list #3 Baylor as 4.5-point favorites over #6 Clemson. The line has moved slightly since the odds were released, as Baylor opened as 4-point favorites. The Bears are -200 on the moneyline which gives them an implied win probability of 66.67%. The total in this game opened at 145 and has moved down half a point.
Baylor’s Final Four odds are currently +500, and Clemson is +1500 to win the West region. The last 6-seed to reach the Final Four was Michigan back in 1992.
Odds as of March 23 at Fanatics. Claim the Fanatics Sportsbook promo code to bet on Clemson vs Baylor.
Which Clemson Team Will Show Up?
Clemson has a talented lineup featuring PJ Hall, Chase Hunter, and Ian Schieffelin. When those three are on like they were against New Mexico, they can feel impossible to stop. Hunter led the way in the first round with 21 points for the Tigers, while Hall had 16 and Schieffelin had 14. Clemson also has Joe Girard who is lethal from behind the arc. Girard shoots over 41% from three.
.@ClemsonMBB with the win! 🏀
Coach Brad Brownell and Guard Chase Hunter join @JonRothstein for a post-game chat. ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/1g9FntQDMV
— March Madness Men’s Basketball TV (@MM_MBB_TV) March 22, 2024
The problem with the Tigers is consistency. The Clemson team that showed out against New Mexico also lost by 21 points to Boston College in their first game of the ACC Tournament. The Tigers have also beaten Alabama and North Carolina this season. The Tigers were faltering down the stretch but seemed to right the ship in the first round of this tournament.
Clemson is 18-14-1 against the spread this year and is a great 7-1 against the spread as an underdog. The Tigers are 25th in offensive efficiency and put up over 77 points per game. If the offense keeps hitting their shots, they will be tough to beat.
Baylor Is Looking For Their First Sweet 16 Since 2021
Baylor last made the Sweet 16 in 2021 when they went on to win the National Championship. Since then, they have not been able to get out of the first weekend of the tournament. The Bears made the NCAA Tournament in 2022 and 2023 but lost in the Round of 32 both years. They will be looking to break that trend on Sunday.
This year’s Baylor team is young, but they are battle-tested and explosive. They are a top-five team in adjusted offensive efficiency, score over 80 points per game, and shoot nearly 40% from behind the arc.
Their offense is led by the dynamic guard duo of Ja’Kobe Walter and RayJ Dennis. Walter averages 14.4 points per game, and Dennis averages 13.2. Baylor is vulnerable on defense, however, as they are ranked 74th in adjusted defensive efficiency.
The Bears have been great against the spread this season. Baylor has gone 20-11-2 against the number so far and has covered the spread in six straight games as favorites.
Clemson vs Baylor Prediction
Both of these teams have the ability to put up points in bunches, which is why the over is showing value. Baylor will get theirs, and Clemson seems to have turned the corner on offense. There is not much concern that either of these defenses will pose much of a threat.
Baylor also has the edge in many areas, especially when it comes to the three pointer. Baylor likes to shoot the three, and they shoot just under 40% from behind the three-point line. Clemson is ranked just 159th when it comes to three-point defense.
While the Tigers looked good against New Mexico, part of that could have been due to the Mountain West, who has not played well in the tournament as a conference. 6 seeds normally do not go too far in the NCAA Tournament, and that will be the case again as Baylor’s offense should score enough points to pull away at the end.
Picks:
- Baylor -4.5 (-110)
- Over 145 (-110)
The highly anticipated matchup between the Clemson Tigers and Baylor Bears on March 24 is sure to be a thrilling game for college basketball fans. Both teams have had successful seasons and are looking to advance in the NCAA tournament.
Experts have weighed in on their predictions for this game, taking into account each team’s strengths and weaknesses. Clemson, led by head coach Brad Brownell, has had a strong season with key wins over top-ranked teams. The Tigers have a balanced offense and a tough defense, making them a formidable opponent for Baylor.
On the other hand, Baylor, coached by Scott Drew, has also had a successful season with impressive wins over tough opponents. The Bears have a high-powered offense led by standout players like Jared Butler and MaCio Teague. Baylor’s ability to score in bunches and play tough defense will make them a tough matchup for Clemson.
Experts predict that this game will be a close one, with both teams having the potential to come out on top. Clemson’s defense will be key in slowing down Baylor’s high-scoring offense, while the Bears will need to find a way to contain Clemson’s balanced attack.
Ultimately, it will come down to which team can execute their game plan and make key plays down the stretch. Fans can expect an exciting and competitive game between two talented teams vying for a spot in the next round of the NCAA tournament.
As the game approaches, college basketball fans will be eagerly awaiting the outcome of this matchup between Clemson and Baylor. Stay tuned for what is sure to be an intense and thrilling game on March 24.
