Rutgers is more battle-tested team out of the Big Ten and actually grades out as a better team in most metrics than Clemson despite being a worse seed. Clemson's shaky offense will not play well in a tournament setting against a strong defense, while Rutgers at least has multiple playmakers capable of getting a key bucket.

Simms is having a terrific year, but Clemson's production quickly drops off after that, resulting in an offense that is nearing the sub-100 range in KenPom with shooting marks that ranked in the bottom third of the ACC and almost no production at the free throw line. Rutgers isnt good at the FT line either, but Harper Jr. and Young are at least capable of scoring 20 plus on a given night while Geo Baker will provide superior play at the point guard position.

The Scarlet Knights will advance here behind their defense, which is a top 20 unit anchored by an absolute brick wall in Johnson, who will limit Clemson in the paint.