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Clemson (7-2) vs BYU (7-1)
- When: Dec 9 2025, 6:30 PM
- Where: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY, USA
- Where to watch: ESPN
Clemson vs (9) BYU Preview & Prediction
Spread: BYU -7.0
Moneyline: BYU (-310)
Total: 150.5
BYU Cougars Breakdown
BYU enters Madison Square Garden with one of the most dangerous starting units in college basketball. The Cougars do not rely on their thin bench, and frankly, they have not needed to. Their starting five has carried them to a seven and one record with relentless scoring and high level defense.
Four BYU starters average double figures and each one is capable of taking over a game. Keba Keita became the latest breakout performer, dropping twenty two points along with fourteen rebounds and three blocks in a dominant win over California Baptist. He has been doing the dirty work all season, so seeing him rewarded offensively was a welcome sight for BYU.
Playmaker Robert Wright III is the real engine. He tallied eleven assists against Cal Baptist, outpassing the entire opposing team on his own. He did the same thing to Wisconsin, feeding scorers with ease while dictating tempo. His teammates are openly campaigning to declare him the best point guard in the country.
When Wright plays this way, BYU has overwhelmed every opponent. Clemson presents a tougher challenge, but the Cougars have the firepower to push pace and control the match.
Clemson Tigers Breakdown
Clemson comes in at seven and two and far more battle tested than BYU’s previous opponents. The Tigers nearly shocked Alabama in the ACC SEC Challenge, rallying from nineteen points down to briefly take the lead before going cold late. Despite the loss, Clemson again proved it can hang with elite athletic teams.
Coach Brad Brownell has leaned on his depth as a core advantage. Clemson uses a true ten man rotation, allowing them to stay fresh deep into games and pressure opponents who rely heavily on starters. Eight different Tigers average at least seven point seven points per game, with RJ Godfrey leading the way at twelve point one.
This rotation makes Clemson a dangerous live underdog. They can withstand foul trouble, push pace late and grind opponents down. The question is whether their defensive intensity can match BYU’s offensive execution. Brownell acknowledged his players were a bit passive early against Alabama, and a slow start against BYU would put them in a similar hole.
Still Clemson’s balance and depth give them a legitimate chance to disrupt some of BYU’s rhythm.
Prediction and Betting Outlook
BYU’s starters are elite, their ball movement is crisp and their defense sets the tone early. Clemson’s depth will keep this competitive, and the Tigers’ balanced roster can keep the spread interesting. However the Cougars are simply too efficient when Wright controls the game.
The total of 150.5 is in play because both teams push pace and have multiple scoring threats.
Final Score: BYU 82 Clemson 73
Lean: BYU -7.0
Total: Over 150.5
- NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
