Clemson has found ways to adjust and it’s why the 2023-24 season has gone well for the Tigers. That trend has to continue Wednesday with Miami heading into town

The first meeting was a defensive collapse from Brad Brownell’s team, but this matchup should be different. Clemson hasn’t forgotten that game, and the Tigers can galvanize it into a third-straight win. Here’s the three keys to take down the Hurricanes at 7 p.m., televised on ESPN2.

Keep Girard Hot

Clemson’s offense is a well-oiled machine right now and the reason for that is Joseph Girard III’s recent renaissance. He’s gone 13-21 from behind the arc in his last three games, forcing opposing defenses to chase him constantly.

In the first meeting, Girard had 18 points but the defense was the main issue. He helped the Tigers run out to a six-point lead at half time.

Girard can do the same and more in this one, and it’s crucial as Clemson is now 10-1 when he scores 15 or more points this season.

Eliminate Miami’s Shooting Flurries

It’s unfair to say the Tigers surrendering 60 points was entirely on them back in January. Yes, Clemson didn’t play its best at all but a team shooting 75 percent from the floor in the second half is ludicrous.

Defense has to be at the forefront in this meeting, and it starts with the guards. Girard and Chase Hunter have to limit Nijel Pack, who had 25 in the first meeting. Wooga Poplar is also back in the lineup for the Hurricanes.

Norchad Omier won the matchup against PJ Hall, and he can’t get going like that again. It was all-around shooting excellence from Miami last time, and Brownell has to spice up his defense in this iteration.

Challenge Omier with Foul Trouble

There were spurts in the first meeting where Clemson gained control. That was with Norchad Omier in foul trouble.

He’s the Hurricanes leading scorer with 17.7 per game and an overall dynamic player on the offensive end. Defense has to improve, but it can be a lot easier if his opportunities are limited.

Hall can do just that if the Tigers give him extra touches in the paint. Add in Ian Schieffelin, who has 13 or more points in three straight games and it’s a perfect recipe for taking Omier out of the game. Do that, and Clemson’s job to get even becomes a lot easier on both ends.