Clemson vs. BYU Prediction & Odds: College Basketball Betting Preview for Dec. 9

My Clemson vs. BYU prediction backs the better team when they face off at 6:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday at Madison Square Garden for the Jimmy V Classic in New York (ESPN).

No. 10 BYU (7-1) is a 6.5-point favorite over Clemson (7-2), but I prefer the value of the Cougars’ team total (78.5) instead.

✅ Clemson vs. BYU predictions

🏀 Clemson vs. BYU best bet & score prediction

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BYU team total Over 78.5 (-110) ⭐⭐⭐

BYU figures to have too many answers for Clemson’s defensive strategy. The Tigers rank 38th in the nation, but they have been overmatched on that end of the floor in their two losses. 

That’s why my favorite play is on BYU’s team total, banking on AJ Dybantsa and Co. to break the game open. A $10 wager on this team total yields a $9.09 profit.

Can Clemson get stops?

BYU is averaging 85.3 points per game to start the season, which includes four matchups against high-major programs and five neutral-site contests. The Cougars have scored at least 83 points in six of their eight games.

While the scouting report starts with Dybantsa, the potential No. 1 pick in next year’s NBA draft, BYU has plenty of talent around him. Dybantsa is one of four players to average double figures on the team this year.

Clemson’s season-long defensive metrics suggest it could slow BYU down, but that hasn’t been the case when facing more difficult opponents. The Tigers gave up 90 points to Alabama last time out. They also surrendered 79 points in a defeat to Georgetown in mid-November. 

In both losses, Clemson’s defensive free-throw rate was over 50%. The Tigers have more foul issues when they are getting beaten. And BYU can get by them plenty tonight.

Our Mike Spector breaks down the other matchup in the Jimmy V Classic doubleheader in his Florida vs. UConn prediction.

Score prediction: BYU 81, Clemson 73

🆚 Clemson vs. BYU matchup to watch

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Robert Wright III vs. Clemson’s tempo

BYU point guard Robert Wright III will be responsible for dictating the pace tonight. Clemson would prefer to play slow, ranking 296th in adjusted tempo, and turn this matchup into more of a rock fight.

If BYU can break this game open, Wright will be a key reason why. He leads the team with an average of 6.3 assists per game. No other BYU player has more than 2.6 dimes per contest.

Wright, who dished 12 assists last time out, has recorded six-plus dimes in four of his previous six contests. He has multiple double-digit assist outings during that stretch.

Spector targets a Dybantsa player prop instead in his college basketball best bets and player props today.

Best prop bet: Robert Wright III Over 5.5 assists (-135 via BetMGM)

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📺 How to watch Clemson vs. BYU

• Date: Tuesday, Dec. 9
• Tipoff: 6:30 p.m. ET
• Location: Madison Square Garden (New York)
• TV: ESPN