Another year, another matchup with a Tony Bennett defense. Virginia’s packline scheme presents challenges for many teams but it generally hinges on one thing: perimeter shooting.

Clemson is the type of offense the Cavaliers can take advantage of. The Tigers don’t shoot well from 3, 35.1% on the year and most of that is dependent on road excellence. Over the last four home games, Clemson has shot 5.6, 35, 14.3 and 23.8 percent. That’s how much of a struggle it’s been and why Brad Brownell has repeatedly said “if we could just make some shots.”

Playing an inside-out offense, the Tigers are going to face double and triple-teams every time it tries to go inside to PJ Hall, Ian Schieffelin and company. In other words, it’s going to be nearly impossible to start inside.

It’s simple, Clemson has to shoot the ball well from behind the arc and exorcise its demons at Littlejohn Coliseum. Once this group proves it can do that, everything else opens up because Virginia is forced to step out and defend.

Joseph Girard III has seen some slow starts in ACC play, but that can’t be the case Saturday. Hall must also provide on the wing, and his efficiency behind the arc could be the true catalyst for a win. It’ll be the same needs from Chase Hunter and Schieffelin.

The good news is Bennett’s squad isn’t an efficient offense, all the way down at No. 163 according to KenPom. We’re beating a dead horse with how important offense is Saturday.

If the Tigers find a way to shoot 40 percent or better from behind the arc, it’ll put the Cavaliers in deep trouble. Clemson has the means to get the win, and a strong offensive performance will lead to some help from the home crowd. The Tigers take on Virginia at 2 p.m., televised on ESPN.