Tigers To Rise in the Midwest

    The Clemson Tigers (24-9 overall and 10-6 ACC) are my Cinderella team of '08.  Three times the Tigers have nearly upset #1 overall UNC including a heartbreaking last second 3 by Wayne Ellington on Jan. 6 and a double overtime heartstopper on Feb. 10.  Key wins for Clemson include at Maryland late in the season, surging Virginia Tech and 7th ranked Duke in the ACC semis.  Expect Clemson to run to an early lead against Villanova just like they have against UNC and never look back.  Villanova (20-12 overall and 9-9 Big East) doesn't have the manpower to make a comback reminiscent of UNC's wins over Clemson.  Clemson also has inside depth leading the Tigers to the victory over Duke.  Villanova lacks the inside presence to compete with Clemson.  In the Second round of the NCAA's Clemson should face Vanderbilt (26-7 overall 10-6 SEC).  While Vandy knocked off #1 Tennessee at home, they struggled playing on the road losing 6 of 8 in SEC road games ... [link]