Clemson vs SMU Prediction 3/13/25 College Basketball Picks Today

In this article, we will formulate a Clemson vs SMU Prediction for this college basketball game on Thursday, March 13th, at Spectrum Center.  Let’s take a look at a Clemson Tigers vs SMU Mustangs pick. 

When these two teams faced off on February 22nd, Clemson secured the victory 79-69. 

Clemson is Hot

Clemson is hot heading into this game, and they have won eight games in a row. Two games ago against Notre Dame, they secured the 83-68 victory, and in the last game against Virginia, they secured the 71-58. They were down 32-27 at halftime, but in the second half, they scored 44 points to pace the victory. Ian Schieffelin put up 21 points, 13 rebounds, and one assist. Three players put up at least 12 points and need to use a balanced attack here. 

Clemson has a 26-5 overall record, and they haven’t gotten enough attention for how well they have played this season. Clemson is an elite offensive team, averaging 77.1 points while its defense gives up 65.7 points per game. Chase Hunter has been the top player this season, averaging 16 points while shooting 47.2 percent from the field and 41.2 percent from behind the three-point line. 

SMU Pulled Away

SMU was only up by three points against Syracuse at halftime, but in the second half, they ended up pulling away. SMU scored 42 points, while they gave up only 25. SMU held Syracuse to only 34 percent from the field and 27.3 percent from behind the three-point line. Four players scored 11 points, and it will need a balanced attack to succeed again here. 

SMU has a 23-9 record and has leaned on the offense to find success. SMU is averaging 81.1 points while its defense is giving up 72.2 points per game. The defense hasn’t been great, and the defense stepping up on Tuesday was actually kind of an outlier. Guard Boopie Miller is the top player, averaging 13.4 points while shooting 41.3 percent from the field and 35.6 percent from behind the three-point line. 

Why SMU WIll Beat Clemson

• SMU has won each of its last three games against the Atlantic Coast Conference at neutral venues.
• Clemson has lost three of its last four games against Conference opponents at neutral venues.
• Clemson has lost the first half in three of its last four games against Conference opponents at neutral venues.

Matchup League Facts

• Clemson ranks 20th among Division 1 teams for net rating this season (+17.3).
• Clemson ranks T22nd among Division 1 teams for point differential per game this season (+11.4).
• SMU ranks 26th among Division 1 teams for defensive rating this season (104.5).
• SMU ranks 26th among Division 1 teams for points per possession this season (1.17).

Clemson vs SMU Prediction

The last time these two teams faced off, Clemson won by ten points, but this game isn’t going to be as convincing. The SMU defense showed some signs of life, and even on tired legs, I expect they will succeed. SMU is still a strong offensive team, and they will find success. SMU will score at least 75 points, which will be enough for them to cover the spread. I wouldn’t be all that shocked if SMU won this game outright. Back SMU against the spread.