It will be a clash between two exceptional defenses when the Pittsburgh Panthers (15-9, 6-7 ACC) meet the Clemson Tigers (11-12, 5-8 ACC) at Petersen Events Center. Action begins at 9 p.m. ET on Wednesday, February 12, 2020.
Clemson Tigers at Pittsburgh Panthers Betting Odds
In the Panthers’ last game, they covered the 2-point spread against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, 73-64. The Tigers, meanwhile, were defeated by the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, 61-57, and failed to cover as 2-point underdogs. The Pittsburgh game finished 7 points over the projected point total of 130, while the Clemson game went 20 points under the projected point total of 138.
Pittsburgh played a nearly perfect contest. They had a turnover percentage of 10.3 (better than their season average of 15.6) and a free throw rate of 0.345 (above their season average of 0.252). For those same stats, Georgia Tech put up marks of 28.4 and 0.204, respectively. Clemson, meanwhile, forced Notre Dame into a turnover percentage of 16.8 (above their season average of 12.2). Pittsburgh received a boost from Justin Champagnie, who contributed 30 points and nine rebounds. Tevin Mack fueled Clemson with 16 points and six rebounds.
The Tigers dominated this series last year, winning both contests. In the last contest, Clemson won 62-48. Clemson had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.519 vs. 0.307). Pittsburgh, on the other hand, did a great job of making free throws (21-28; 75.0 percent). This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Vegas has typically been fairly accurate when setting the total of Tigers games, with 12 overs compared to 11 unders. Clemson holds records of 11-12 straight up (SU) and 12-11 against the spread (ATS).
Panthers games have no tendency in regards to the O/U total, as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under. Further, Pittsburgh is 15-9 SU and 12-12 ATS.
Half-court execution will be at a premium when a pair of the country’s slowest-paced teams square off. Pittsburgh currently ranks 337th in possessions per game (65.1) and Clemson is 279th (67.3). Moreover, the Tigers rank 317th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.184), while the Panthers rank 38th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.176).
Clemson Tigers at Pittsburgh Panthers Betting Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – Pittsburgh, ATS Winner – Pittsburgh, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Clemson ranks 37th in three pointers attempted per game (26.3) while Pittsburgh ranks 259th (18.0).
- The Tigers rank 155th in assists per game (12.9) while the Panthers rank 162nd in assists allowed per game (13.1).
- The Tigers rank 40th in blocks allowed per game (2.6) while the Panthers rank 141st (3.8).
- Pittsburgh ranks 21st in steals allowed per game (5.0) while Clemson ranks 113th (6.4).
- Pittsburgh is 7-8 ATS at home, while Clemson is 5-4 ATS on the road.
- The total has gone under in 5 of the Tigers’ 9 road games, while 8 of the Panthers’ 15 home games have gone under.
Bettings Trends:
- The Panthers are 2-3 ATS over their last five games, while the Tigers are 1-4.
- In their last five games, Pittsburgh has 3 overs and 2 unders, while Clemson has 3 unders and 2 overs.
- During their last five games, the Panthers have scored an average of 67.0 points per game (0.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 69.8 points per game (6.4 above their season average).
- The Tigers have been outscored by an average of 8.0 points in their last five games. On the season, Clemson has defeated opponents by an average of 1.7 points.
