Predicting Pitt @ Clemson (NCAAM)

Zack Austin, Jeff Capel, and Jaland Lowe after Pitt’s win vs. Virginia Tech.

The Pitt Panthers have a huge task ahead of them as they’re set to take on the Clemson Tigers at Littlejohn Coliseum on Tuesday. This game will have a significant impact on Pitt’s standing as a ‘March Madness Bubble’ team, as well as the ACC standings, as the winner of this game will likely be breaking a three-team-tie between Pitt, Clemson, and NC State.

The last time these two teams met, the Clemson Tigers got the win in Pittsburgh 79-70 back on December 3rd. PJ Hall (C-Clem) finished that day with 22 points, including nine points from three-point range, and 11 rebounds. Joseph Girard III (G-Clem) led the Tigers in scoring in that game, giving them 25 points. Blake Hinson (F-Pitt) led the game in scoring with 27.

Hall currently ranks 4th in the ACC in scoring at 18.7 points per game. His ability to spread the floor, paired with his length, makes him tough to contend with, and Pitt will have to find a way to slow him down if they are going to win this one. On Pitt’s side, Hinson ranks 2nd in the ACC in scoring at 18.9 ppg and leads the conference in three-pointers made. He is the best scorer in this game, and Clemson struggles to slow down elite scorers, as was evident the last time these two teams played, as well as Feb. 17th when DJ Horne (G-NC State) scored 27, including the game winner against the Tigers. Pitt is the number three defense in the ACC in points allowed, and they’ll need every bit of that effort on Tuesday.

According to ESPN’s Bubble Watch 2024 (this link is behind an ESPN+ paywall), Clemson is a lock for March Madness. With Pitt being one of those fringe teams, there’s so much at stake for them in this game, not to mention they’ve won eight of their last ten games. I fully expect them to be playing with a sense of urgency that I’m not so sure Clemson will be prepared to match. If this game is as close as I suspect it will be, I’m trusting Blake Hinson to get it done in the end. Pitt 74, Clemson 68.

…and Pitt stays in the conversation to make it to the dance. 

Subscribe to receive email updates about new posts and follow me on socials!