Clemson Men’s Basketball Moves Into Top 10 in Sagarin Ratings and RPI

Dec. 4, 2006

The Clemson men’s basketball team is listed seventh in both the Sagarin ratings and RPI, as of Monday. The Tigers, off to a 9-0 start for the second straight season, are fresh off back-to-back road wins by 20+ points over Minnesota and South Carolina. It marked the first time in 56 years (1949-50 season) that Clemson had consecutive road wins by at least 20 points.

Clemson is the only remaining undefeated team in the Atlantic Coast Conference and one of just 17 in the entire country. The Tigers are tied for the most wins in the country at this point of the season with Missouri (9-0) and Oklahoma State (9-0). The Tigers’ strength of schedule ranks 40th in the nation, according to the RPI on WarrenNolan.com.

The Tigers won three games in three consecutive days to claim the Cox Communications Classic to start the season. Included in that victory total was a 74-70 win over host Old Dominion, who ranks 52nd in the RPI and 66th in the Sagarin ratings. Clemson also claimed a 69-66 win over Mississippi State at home earlier this season. The Bulldogs rank 43rd in the Sagarin ratings and 76th in the RPI.

Clemson leads the ACC in scoring margin (+18.2), offensive rebounds (16.0 per game), and steals (9.56 per game), and ranks second in scoring defense (58.1), turnover margin (+3.33), and three-point goals per game (7.22).