Preview: Pitt ready to face tough test at Clemson

The Panthers (16-3) will take on Clemson (12-7) on the road Wednesday.

PREDICTION:

PITT 77 CLEMSON 68

Pitt is 1-1 against Clemson since joining the ACC, suffering a 62-71 loss at the Petersen Events Center in their most recent meeting last January. In that matchup, Clemson outrebounded Pitt by 15, but this is a different Panther frontcourt than a year ago. With the additions of Rafael Maia and Alonzo Nelson-Ododa, as well as improved play by Sheldon Jeter and Michael Young, the odds of Pitt falling behind in the rebounding category are much more slim. And Pitt tends to go however well it rebounds — the team is 13-0 when it holds the advantage on the glass. If the Panthers win on the boards, they’ll win the game, even with Clemson’s 4-0 record at home against ACC opponents.

QUOTABLES:

“[Clemson is] really experienced. Their main guys have been their main guys for a while.” – Jamie Dixon

“I’m a huge fan of James Robinson. I think he is just a tough-minded, smart winner. He runs their team exceptionally well.” – Brad Brownell

BY THE NUMBERS

16-0

Pitt’s record when scoring more than 70 points this year

5

Including Wednesday’s matchup against Pitt, consecutive games Clemson will face a team ranked in either AP or Coaches Poll

11

Points Michael Young needs to get to 1,000 in his Pitt career

KEY PLAYERS

JARON BLOSSOMGAME – The last time Pitt and Clemson faced off, Blossomgame thrived, going for 18 points on 6-9 shooting and hauling in six boards. He’s been sensational this season, averaging 16.4 points and 6.9 rebounds per contest. He’ll be a tough matchup for Jamel Artis at the three position.

JAMEL ARTIS – More often than not,  the Panthers have heavily relied on Artis to carry scoring loads and be the go-to guy on offense. He came through for the team on Saturday when he nailed the go-ahead 3-pointer against Florida State. Against Clemson, Artis will also have a tough assignment on defense shutting down Blossomgame. Both listed at 6-foot-7, 220 pounds, the Artis vs. Blossomgame battle promises to be challenging on both ends.