Pittsburgh vs. Clemson Expert Pick and Prediction – February 27, 2024 

PITTSBURGH VS. CLEMSON EXPERT PICK AND PREDICTION – February 27, 2024 — Here we go again with Pittsburgh. Last year, the Panthers found themselves fighting every step of the way against terrible metrics to try to get one of the last spots in the NCAA tournament. They managed it and even upset Iowa State in the round of 64, but they were very nearly left out of the field entirely.

And Pitt hasn’t really learned anything from that, as it’s once again leaving its fate up to the committee. Part of that isn’t their fault, as they picked up what appeared to be good wins at N.C. State and Virginia that didn’t pan out as quality victories. But there was also a 33-point loss to fellow bubble squad Wake Forest in there, which means Pitt’s still in search of another good win for the profile.

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Clemson has no worries. The Tigers know they’re in the field and they’re playing to land a double-bye in the ACC tournament. Currently, Clemson sits a game out of fourth place in the ACC and would have to play on Wednesday in the tournament if the season ended here. Such a spot would mean Clemson would have just one chance at a bad loss and could make a really good run toward improving its seed.

The Tigers appear to have the opponent they need for that, as Clemson has really had Pittsburgh’s number. Since Pitt’s inaugural ACC season, Clemson has dominated this series, winning 11 straight over the Panthers.

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The Odds 

Tipoff 

When: Tuesday, February 27 at 8 p.m. EST

Where: Littlejohn Coliseum, Clemson, S.C.

TV: ACC Network

Public Bets: 64% on Pittsburgh

Public Money: 70% on Pittsburgh 

Odds courtesy of DraftKings, as of February 26th, 2024 

Pittsburgh vs. Clemson In-Season Trends 

Littlejohn Coliseum isn’t so much a basketball arena as it is a torture chamber for Pittsburgh. The Panthers managed a win in overtime in 2014, and since then, it has been rout after rout at the hands of Clemson. The closest the Panthers have come in five subsequent visits to Clemson is 13 points, and they lost by 27 on their most recent trip here.

But if Pitt is going to change things, now’s the time. The Panthers have covered in six of their past seven games and eight of 10 overall. The only exceptions were losing by four at Miami while catching three and getting their doors blown off at Wake Forest.

Clemson also comes in hot, having covered five of six. The Tigers have a history of playing tight games when they lose, but haven’t been doing the same when they win. In their past four victories, nine points is the smallest margin.

The Difference-Makers 

The way that you beat Clemson is with great shooters. The Tigers give up plenty of looks, but they count on their defense forcing opponents into looks they don’t want and limiting the opponent to one shot.

Pittsburgh is not blessed with great shooters. The Panthers have a strong scorer in Blake Hinson, but he’s more of a compiler than a pure scorer. He shoots 45% from the field, but 42% from behind the arc. Hinson has to find his shot if Pitt is going to have a chance.

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For Clemson’s part, it has to take care of the basketball. Committing 15 turnovers as it did against Florida State will not cut it. Joseph Girard and Chase Hunter must make good decisions with the basketball to stop Pitt from riding its quickness to a win.

The Pick 

I don’t like Pittsburgh’s offense in this matchup. Clemson has won this head-to-head battle over and over, and the Panthers don’t have the right personnel to take advantage of the soft spots in the Tigers’ defense.

The one thing Pitt has going for it is desperation, but that’s likely not enough. Clemson should take care of the Panthers again.