Posted on 3/6/2008 4:00:10 PM

NCAA Basketball Odds - Key Clemson Player in Limbo After Injury

By BetUS Staff

Following NCAA Basketball betting is getting more and more like going to med school. Or at least watching an episode of House.

Our next patient is Clemson Tigers guard Cliff Hammonds. He has a broken wrist on his right hand, which is lucky in Hammonds’ case, because he’s a southpaw. He might even be able to play in Thursday’s matchup against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets.

The problem for handicappers: We won’t know until Wednesday after practice, according to coach Oliver Purnell. He told the Associated Press that Hammonds appears capable of playing Thursday (albeit with a heavy bandage on his wrist), but that no decision would me made until further evaluation.

The Tigers have held their own in the ACC despite a rash of injuries to players like James Mays, who also has been playing with a broken hand. But Hammonds is the engine that drives Clemson. His decision to continue playing against Maryland Sunday night after breaking his wrist with 16 minutes left in the game may have earned his team a March Madness invite. Hammonds steered the Tigers (-1) to a 73-70 comeback victory over the Terrapins that improved their record to 21-7 overall and a very healthy 16-9 against the spread.

For those new to sports betting, the world of advanced basketball statistics can seem just as complicated as the one Hugh Laurie’s character operates in. Nonetheless, those who at least pay attention to the Pomeroy efficiency rankings know Clemson not only deserves an invitation to the big dance, but a seed in the top half as well. The Tigers are ranked No. 17 in Division I in efficiency and No. 19 in RPI.

So why aren’t they in the coaches’ rankings? Playing in the ACC shadow of North Carolina (No. 1 in the polls) and Duke (No. 5) is one explanation. Having to settle for trips to the NIT the past three years is another. Whatever the case, the Tigers are going into Atlanta on a mission. The Yellow Jackets will be pesky, but if Clemson can expect something close to Hammond’s usual production of 11.9 points and 3.9 assists per game, the odds swing in the favor of the Tigers.

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