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Game Preview Gardner-Webb @ Clemson
The Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs travel to Littlejohn Coliseum on Friday night to take on the Clemson Tigers, where Brad Brownell’s deep rotation looks to keep rolling after a dominant season-opening performance.
Clemson opened its season with an 88–38 home win over New Hampshire, flexing its defensive depth and new-look roster. Freshman guard Ace Buckner led all scorers with 18 points in his debut, while RJ Godfrey — returning from Georgia — added nine points and nine rebounds. The Tigers’ lineup featured six transfers, four freshmen, and only one returning player who logged minutes last season (Dillon Hunter).
Coach Brownell emphasized balance and flexibility, giving 10 players between 15 and 22 minutes in the opener. That approach marks a major shift from last season when Clemson relied on a tighter rotation with multiple starters averaging over 33 minutes per game.
Gardner-Webb, meanwhile, comes off a difficult opener at Minnesota, falling 87–60 after a slow start that included 10 straight missed shots. Still, the Bulldogs recovered to outscore the Golden Gophers 40–34 in the second half, showing flashes of resilience. Julius Clark, Jacob Hudson, and Spence Sims each scored in double figures off the bench, highlighting the potential of Gardner-Webb’s secondary unit.
Clemson’s defensive dominance — holding New Hampshire to 25 percent shooting and 14.8 percent from deep — will again be the focus against a Bulldogs offense still finding rhythm.
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Odds and Key Information
Clemson enters as a heavy home favorite with the spread set near -27.5 and a total of 142.5 points. The Tigers’ combination of defensive pressure and rotational energy suggests another lopsided contest.
| Key Betting Line | Value |
|---|---|
| Spread | Clemson -27.5 (-110) |
| Moneyline | Clemson -10000 / Gardner-Webb +3200 |
| Total | 142.5 O/U |
| Venue | Littlejohn Coliseum, Clemson, SC |
| Time | 7:00 PM ET (ACCN Extra) |
For large-line matchups like this one, it’s worth reviewing what does the spread mean in betting and handicap in betting.
Clemson Outlook
The Tigers’ first game could not have gone much smoother. Clemson shot 55 percent from the field, posted 22 assists, and held its opponent to 38 points. Buckner’s poise stood out in his first collegiate game, while Godfrey and the frontcourt controlled the boards and paint.
Coach Brownell’s emphasis on balance and depth is evident — 10 players contributed between six and 18 points, and no one exceeded 22 minutes. That structure allows Clemson to maintain defensive energy and fast transition play throughout.
The Tigers’ defensive metrics were elite: New Hampshire managed just four made threes on 27 attempts and was held to 0.63 points per possession. If that intensity holds, Clemson could become one of the early-season value favorites for unders and ATS covers in nonconference play.
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Gardner-Webb Outlook
Gardner-Webb’s 0–1 start included a nightmare beginning — missing their first 10 shots and falling behind 23–1 against Minnesota. However, the Bulldogs found some positives in the second half, particularly from bench contributors. Clark led with 13 points, Hudson added 12 and 8 rebounds, and Sims scored 12 on efficient shooting.
Coach Jeremy Luther’s team will need more consistency from the starters to compete at Clemson. The Bulldogs finished just 33 percent from the floor and 25 percent from three, while giving up a 47–31 rebounding disadvantage. Against the Tigers’ length and depth, controlling the paint and cutting turnovers (17 in the opener) will be essential.
Expect Luther’s squad to slow tempo and attempt to keep the score manageable through physical half-court defense. That approach aligns with principles discussed in alternate total points, where pace-driven totals can present opportunity.
Key Matchup Table
| Statistical Category | Edge |
|---|---|
| Field Goal % | Clemson (55%) |
| Rebounding Margin | Clemson (+18) |
| 3PT Shooting | Clemson (38%) |
| Turnovers Forced | Clemson (16 per game) |
| Bench Production | Clemson |
Gardner-Webb must find offense early to avoid another double-digit first-half deficit against Clemson’s aggressive perimeter defense.
Betting Trends
Clemson is 1–0 ATS and SU this season, having covered easily against New Hampshire. The Tigers are 5–2 ATS in their last seven home openers and have gone under in five of their last six games versus nonconference foes.
Gardner-Webb is 2–8 ATS in its last 10 road games against Power Six teams and 3–7 ATS in its last 10 overall. The Bulldogs have hit the over in four of their last five when allowing 80+ points.
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Prediction
Clemson’s athleticism, depth, and defensive intensity should overwhelm Gardner-Webb early. Expect Brownell to again distribute minutes evenly, keeping fresh legs on the floor and maintaining pressure throughout. The Bulldogs’ lack of frontcourt size and consistency will likely result in another one-sided contest.
Projected Score: Clemson 89, Gardner-Webb 54
Spread Pick: Clemson -27.5
Total Lean: Under 142.5
The Tigers’ defense should limit Gardner-Webb’s offense while their bench contributes enough scoring to stay well clear of the line.
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