5 keys to Clemson victory

CLEMSON -- The following five keys might make the difference Friday in Buffalo, N.Y., when Clemson attempts to end its NCAA tournament drought against Missouri:

1. Handle the pressure

The ACC Tigers say they like matching up with another full-court pressure team. But should they?

Clemson ranks 167th in the country in assist-to-turnover ratio (0.95), producing more turnovers (460) than assists (439) this season.

Missouri is second in the country in turnover margin (+6.7), leads the country in steals per game (10.9) and is 44th in turnover-to-assist ratio (1.17).

On paper, Missouri benefits from playing an up-tempo pace that will create more possessions.

Clemson point guard Demontez Stitt has proven the ability to drive and finish (12 points per game), but in ACC play he has as many turnovers (36) as assists (36). Stitt hasn't often had to deal with Missouri-style pressure. Can he beat the press, take advantage of open shooters and take care of the ball?

Though the Stitt-Andre Young backcourt is something of a defensive liability because of its lack of size, the point guard combo might be beneficial in breaking the Missouri pressure.

2. Potter offers some magic

For Clemson to weather the first weekend of the tournament, it needs proficient outside shooting to soften defenses.

The Tigers also need an effective long-range shooter to take advantage

of the open looks that will come against the Missouri pressure and zone defenses.

Clemson will be best positioned for a tournament run if the streaky David Potter can recapture his early-season form.

Not only is Potter the Tigers' best perimeter defender, he was the team's best outside shooter earlier this season, making 21 of his first 36 3-pointers.

Potter's nine-game hot streak included two road games and three neutral sites.

Clemson assistant Ron Bradley says much of Potter's shooting woes can be attributed to confidence.

After a putrid shooting stretch in the middle of the season, that confidence has returned to some degree as Potter has reached double figures in five of the last 10 games, making 21 of 54 3s (39.6 percent).

3. Grant stays foul free

When Clemson forward Jerai Grant picks up four or more fouls, Clemson is 3-5. When Grant finishes a game with three or fewer fouls, the Tigers are 17-5 (Grant missed one game).

Perhaps, no Tiger has improved more than Grant, who has converted Trevor Booker double-downs to dunks and has become one of the premier shot blockers in the ACC.

4. Booker sustains his 'A' game

Teams that survive the first weekend of the NCAA tournament usually have a star, and Clemson has one in Trevor Booker. To be at his best, Booker can't get frustrated and lose focus as he sometimes does: barking at officials, failing to hurry back to defend.

He also must shoot better at the free throw line. He made just 4 of 12 free throws in losses against N.C. State and Wake Forest, lowering his free throw shooting to 59 percent.

Missouri does not have a dominant post player like Booker, and Clemson has a decisive rebounding advantage. They are assets Clemson must maximize.

5. A freshman emerges

When the Tigers' freshmen struggle, Clemson is essentially a six-man team.

The Tigers need better bench production from a group that is comprised of Andre Young and three freshman: Devin Booker, Noel Johnson (4 of 5 from 3-point range against N.C. State) and Milton Jennings. They have all flashed potential; now can they raise their game on the biggest stage?

Reach Travis Sawchik at tsawchik@postandcourier.com and check out his Clemson blog at www.postandcourier.com/blogs/tiger_tracks