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Clemson Tigers vs SMU Mustangs Picks and Predictions – January 7th 2026
In a compelling non-conference showdown, the Clemson Tigers head south to face the SMU Mustangs at Moody Coliseum on Tuesday, January 7th, 2026, with tipoff set for 7:30 PM ET. Clemson enters this matchup at 11–3, having won four of their last five with strong interior play and halfcourt defense. SMU stands at 10–5 and has been especially sharp at home, where they’ve covered in six of their last seven games.
This one should test Clemson’s ability to handle tempo. SMU plays fast, pressures the ball, and thrives off transition buckets. If Clemson’s frontcourt can’t dictate pace and control the boards, it could be a dangerous spot for the Tigers.
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Clemson Tigers vs SMU Mustangs Odds
Here are the current betting odds. Check the latest college basketball odds page for any line movement before game time.
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clemson Tigers | -150 | -3.5 (-110) | O 142.5 (-110) |
| SMU Mustangs | +130 | +3.5 (-110) | U 142.5 (-110) |
Clemson Tigers Betting Form
Clemson has built their success this season on shot selection and low-variance play. They score efficiently inside, take care of the ball, and limit second-chance points on the defensive end. PJ Hall continues to be their offensive engine, and when he’s in rhythm, the Tigers are tough to guard. The Tigers are also shooting close to 36% from deep, which helps space the floor for Hall and their slashers.
Defensively, they’re physical and disciplined — but not overly aggressive. That works well against teams that rely on structure, but it can leave them vulnerable against up-tempo, drive-heavy teams like SMU. Clemson also plays slow by design, which can lead to close games even when they’re the better team.
Dig into the Clemson stats and results, and monitor the Clemson injury report for any last-minute changes before tipoff.
SMU Mustangs Betting Form
The Mustangs have been one of the better mid-majors against the spread this year, especially at home. They push the pace, shoot a lot of threes, and turn defense into offense with quick hands and pressure. Defensively, they gamble a bit — and that can hurt them in the halfcourt — but when they create live-ball turnovers, they convert quickly.
SMU’s backcourt of Chuck Harris and Zhuric Phelps has been electric, combining for over 30 points per game. The key will be whether they can get clean looks against Clemson’s size and whether they can keep PJ Hall off the block without fouling.
More on their trends at the SMU schedule and stats, and be sure to stay up to date with the SMU injury report.
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Clemson Tigers vs SMU Mustangs Matchup Breakdown
This is a tempo clash more than anything. Clemson wants to walk it up, play through their bigs, and grind possessions. SMU wants to fly, trap, and create chaos. If the Tigers can force the Mustangs into a halfcourt game, they should control the paint and win the rebounding battle.
But there are concerns:
- Turnovers: Clemson is solid with the ball, but SMU ranks top-30 in forced turnovers.
- Foul trouble: Clemson needs Hall on the floor — foul issues could swing the game.
- Home court: Moody Coliseum has been loud and energetic. SMU feeds off it.
- Three-point variance: SMU shoots more from deep, so hot shooting could neutralize Clemson’s interior edge.
Ultimately, Clemson’s discipline gives them the edge, but SMU’s aggression could keep them in it — especially if they start fast.
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Clemson Tigers vs SMU Mustangs Predictions and Best Bets
Clemson is the more complete team, but the pace and setting create a tricky matchup. SMU has the kind of backcourt that can catch fire and flip a spread late, especially at home. Still, if Clemson defends without fouling and slows the tempo early, they should be able to grind this out.
The spread at -3.5 feels about right. Lean Clemson, but cautiously. This might be tighter than it looks on paper.
For the total, 142.5 feels slightly high if Clemson dictates the pace. The Tigers allow under 65 points per game in slow matchups. If SMU can’t speed it up, this could crawl under the number.
Best Bet: Under 142.5 (-110).
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