The Virginia Tech Hokies (16-8) are set to face off against the No. 20 Clemson Tigers (20-4) at Littlejohn Coliseum in Clemson, South Carolina, with a tip-off scheduled for 7 p.m. ET on ACC Network. The Tigers enter the game as 9.5-point favorites with a moneyline of -575, while the total is set at 136.5 points, reflecting both teams’ competitive standings in the ACC.
Clemson has shown impressive form, standing at 10-1 in the ACC and boasting the best defense in the conference. Their defensive prowess has been evident, making it difficult for opponents to find scoring opportunities, particularly on spot-up shots where opposing teams are shooting only 32.6%. Even in their close game against Stanford, where they won 66-64, their solid defense shined through, leading to an under bet that paid off for many.
Meanwhile, Virginia Tech has struggled a bit lately, with a 4-6 record since the start of 2026. The Hokies had a strong start to the season, highlighted by a thrilling triple-overtime triumph over their rival Virginia. However, recent performances have been inconsistent, particularly in their offensive efficiency. Freshman standout Neoklis Avdalas made a strong impression early in the season, averaging around 15 points per game. However, his performance has dipped, with only 9.8 points per game in his last ten outings, including a scoreless game against NC State.
Ben Hammond has emerged as a crucial player for the Hokies, averaging 15 points per game over the last 15 games and having a spectacular 30-point game against Virginia. Yet, for the Hokies to thrive, they must leverage Hammond’s ability to create his own opportunities while navigating Clemson’s staunch defense.
With Virginia Tech’s recent struggles in offensive efficiency—averaging 68 points over their last four games—and the formidable defense they face, this matchup could lean towards a lower score. The Hokies have had difficulties scoring against tough competition, and Clemson’s slow tempo further complicates the matter. Given all these factors, a strategic bet on the total points being under 136.5 appears to be a sound decision as both teams prepare for this pivotal ACC clash.