Five on five: Virginia may have a major advantage over Clemson

One of Virginia’s intriguing road games is a visit to Clemson – the first since the 2023-24 season. The Tigers finished fifth in the ACC last season, ahead of Louisville, NC State and others. Clemson has the talent to win on any given night. However, Virginia’s personnel present several problems for the Tigers.

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PG: Chance Mallory (So.) versus Zac Foster (So.)

Mallory’s 2025-26: 0 GS, 36 GP, 24.1 MPG, 9.3 PPG, 3.4 APG, 3.7 RPG, 42.2% FG, 34.5% 3PT

Foster’s 2025-26: 0 GS, 12 GP, 18.6 MPG, 6.9 PPG, 2.5 APG, 2.8 RPG, 31.0% FG, 27.7% 3PT

Foster was an ascending player for Clemson last season before he tore his ACL in December. He should be ready to go for the start of the 2026-27 season. In the matchup against Virginia, though, he will likely have an extremely difficult time containing the agile Mallory. This is a matchup that should heavily favor the Cavaliers.

Advantage: Virginia

SG: Jurian Dixon (R-Jr.) versus Cole Certa (Jr.)

Dixon’s 2025-26 (UC Irvine): 35 GS, 35 GP, 30.4 MPG, 15.9 PPG, 2.5 APG, 3.6 RPG, 43.0% FG, 38.5% 3PT

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Certa’s 2025-26 (Notre Dame): 16 GS, 31 GP, 26 MPG, 12.8 PPG, 0.8 APG, 1.7 RPG, 37.4% FG, 36.7% 3PT

Clemson will have options for the starting shooting guard role – but the upside-based pick would be Certa, who averaged over 16 points per game in ACC play last year. Certa lit up Virginia for 34 points in his battle with the Cavaliers last year. He should have an advantage against Ryan Odom’s defense again.

Advantage: Clemson

SF: Sam Lewis (Sr.) versus Liutauras Lelevicius (Sr.)

Lewis’ 2025-26: 35 GS, 36 GP, 25.4 MPG, 10.6 PPG, 1.4 APG, 3.6 RPG, 45.5% FG, 40.3% 3PT

Lelevicius’ 2025-26 (TCU): 22 GS, 34 GP, 23.7 MPG, 8.0 PPG, 0.7 APG, 3.4 RPG, 45.7% FG, 38.0% 3PT

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An intriguing battle between reliable shooters, Lewis should have an advantage here given that he has been more consistent against elite competition. These are different players – Lelevicius is more of a rebounder and a smaller power forward – but Lewis has the higher…

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Publish date : 2026-08-19 22:30:00

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