NCAAB · Final

Clemson Tigers Edge Pittsburgh Panthers in Close Contest

Saturday, January 3, 2026, 12:00 PM ET · Petersen Events Center

Clemson Tigers 73, Pittsburgh Panthers 68, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.

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Quick answers

Who won Clemson Tigers vs Pittsburgh Panthers?

Clemson Tigers beat Pittsburgh Panthers 73-68 at Petersen Events Center on January 3, 2026.

Who was favored in Clemson Tigers vs Pittsburgh Panthers?

Clemson Tigers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -180 (about 64% implied). The favorite won.

In a closely contested matchup, the Clemson Tigers defeated the Pittsburgh Panthers 73-68 at the Petersen Events Center on January 3, 2026. This victory marks Clemson's fifth consecutive win, improving their record to 13-3, while Pittsburgh falls to 7-9. The game was significant not just for the win but also for the implications it carries in the NCAAB landscape, showcasing the competitiveness of both teams in the league.

Clemson entered the game with a strong recent form, boasting an 8-2 record over their last ten games. They have averaged 75.8 points while allowing 68.5 points per game during this stretch. Their last five games have seen them perform particularly well, with a record of 4-1 and an average of 66.8 points scored against 63.4 allowed. The Tigers have been especially dominant at home, holding a perfect 6-0 record, while their away record stands at 2-2.

On the other hand, Pittsburgh has struggled recently, with a record of 4-6 over their last ten games. They have averaged 75.2 points scored and 70.1 points allowed during this period. Their last five games have been a mixed bag, resulting in a 2-3 record and an average of 77.2 points scored against 68.8 allowed. The Panthers have a home record of 3-3 and an away record of 1-3, indicating their struggles when playing outside their home venue.

The two teams had met previously in the 2025 season, where Clemson narrowly defeated Pittsburgh 78-75 in a home game for the Panthers. This history added an extra layer of intensity to the rematch, as both teams aimed to assert their dominance.

In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details, but the performance of both teams suggests that they were fielding their best available players for this crucial matchup.

The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Clemson favored by 3.5 points, with a total set at 135.5. The odds reflect the Tigers' strong recent form and their position as the away team, indicating confidence in their ability to secure a win.

As the game progressed, Clemson maintained a slight edge, with key scoring plays in the second half. Dillon Hunter made pivotal free throws, and Omari Witherspoon contributed with a driving layup that kept the Tigers in control. The final moments saw a series of free throws from Jestin Porter and Brandin Cummings, which ultimately sealed the victory for Clemson.

The conditions in the Petersen Events Center were conducive for a competitive game, and the atmosphere was charged with excitement as both teams fought for every point. Viewers were treated to a display of skill and determination, highlighting the intensity of college basketball.

In summary, the matchup between the Clemson Tigers and Pittsburgh Panthers was a thrilling encounter that showcased the strengths and weaknesses of both teams. Clemson's ability to secure the win, particularly in the closing moments, reflects their current form and resilience, while Pittsburgh will look to regroup and improve as they continue their season.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	CLEM -3.5	135.5 o -115 / u -105	Clemson Tigers -180 · Pittsburgh Panthers +150

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Leaders

PointsDamarco Minor17Pittsburgh Panthers
AssistsOmari Witherspoon2Pittsburgh Panthers
ReboundsRoman Siulepa7Pittsburgh Panthers
PointsJestin Porter21Clemson Tigers
AssistsDillon Hunter4Clemson Tigers
ReboundsCarter Welling10Clemson Tigers

Recent form

Pittsburgh Panthers

Last 10: 4-6Streak L175.2 scored · 70.1 allowed per game3-3 at home

L69-76at Miami HurricanesDec 31
W80-46at Penn State Nittany LionsDec 21
W103-63vs Binghamton BearcatsDec 18
L61-79at Villanova WildcatsDec 13
L73-80vs Hofstra PrideDec 7
L73-81vs Texas A&M AggiesDec 3
W67-66vs Ohio State BuckeyesNov 29
L75-83vs Quinnipiac BobcatsNov 23
L67-77at UCF KnightsNov 21
W84-50vs Bucknell BisonNov 18

Clemson Tigers

Last 10: 8-2Streak W475.8 scored · 68.5 allowed per game2-2 away

W64-61at Syracuse OrangeDec 31
W68-65vs Cincinnati BearcatsDec 21
W68-61vs South Carolina GamecocksDec 17
W70-63vs Mercer BearsDec 13
L64-67at BYU CougarsDec 9
L84-90at Alabama Crimson TideDec 4
W92-56vs Alabama A&M BulldogsNov 29
W97-94at Georgia BulldogsNov 23
W70-67vs West Virginia MountaineersNov 21
W81-61vs North Alabama LionsNov 18

Standings

Team	Overall	Games behind	In conference
Duke	35-3	-	17-1
Virginia	30-6	2	15-3
Miami	26-9	4	13-5
North Carolina	24-9	5	12-6
Clemson	24-11	5	12-6
Louisville	24-11	6	11-7
NC State	20-14	7	10-8
Florida State	18-15	7	10-8
California	22-12	8	9-9
Stanford	20-13	8	9-9
Virginia Tech	19-13	9	8-10
SMU	20-14	9	8-10
Wake Forest	18-17	10	7-11
Syracuse	15-17	11	6-12
Pittsburgh	13-20	12	5-13
Notre Dame	13-18	13	4-14
Boston College	11-20	13	4-14
Georgia Tech	11-20	15	2-16

Box score

Stat	Clemson Tigers	Pittsburgh Panthers
Field goals	24-45	23-52
Field goal %	53	44
Three-pointers	7-21	6-17
Three-point %	33	35
Free throws	18-25	16-22
Free throw %	72	73
Rebounds	28	27
Offensive rebounds	4	6
Defensive rebounds	24	21
Assists	11	9
Steals	5	10
Blocks	2	0
Turnovers	14	11
Team turnovers	0	1
Technical fouls	1	0
Technical fouls, total	1	0
Flagrant fouls	0	0
Points off turnovers	9	12
Fast-break points	8	6
Points in the paint	30	28
Fouls	21	21
Largest lead	7	4
Lead changes	14	14
Time in front	65	21

How the scoring went

2nd Half38-37RJ Godfrey makes 6-foot hook shot
2nd Half38-39Damarco Minor makes layup
2nd Half41-39Jestin Porter makes 25-foot three point jumper (Dillon Hunter assists)
2nd Half44-39Butta Johnson makes 24-foot three point jumper (Dillon Hunter assists)
2nd Half45-39Carter Welling makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half46-39Carter Welling makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half46-40Roman Siulepa makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half46-43Omari Witherspoon makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot
2nd Half48-43Nick Davidson makes 8-foot turnaround jump shot
2nd Half48-45Barry Dunning Jr. makes 4-foot dunk (Cameron Corhen assists)
2nd Half49-45Carter Welling makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half50-45RJ Godfrey makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half51-45RJ Godfrey makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half51-47Barry Dunning Jr. makes driving layup
2nd Half51-49Damarco Minor makes 14-foot step back jumpshot
2nd Half51-50Damarco Minor makes free throw 1 of 1
2nd Half53-50Nick Davidson makes layup (Butta Johnson assists)
2nd Half53-52Omari Witherspoon makes 16-foot pullup jump shot
2nd Half53-54Omari Witherspoon makes driving layup
2nd Half53-56Barry Dunning Jr. makes 2-foot dunk (Nojus Indrusaitis assists)
2nd Half56-56Butta Johnson makes 23-foot three point jumper (Dillon Hunter assists)
2nd Half59-56Jestin Porter makes 24-foot three point jumper (Butta Johnson assists)
2nd Half59-58Roman Siulepa makes 4-foot dunk (Damarco Minor assists)
2nd Half62-58Jestin Porter makes 23-foot three point jumper (RJ Godfrey assists)
2nd Half62-59Roman Siulepa makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half64-59Carter Welling makes 2-foot hook shot
2nd Half65-59Carter Welling makes free throw 1 of 1
2nd Half65-61Omari Witherspoon makes 10-foot floating jump shot
2nd Half66-61Nick Davidson makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half68-61Jestin Porter makes layup (Nick Davidson assists)
2nd Half68-63Omari Witherspoon makes driving layup
2nd Half69-63Dillon Hunter makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half70-63Dillon Hunter makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half70-65Omari Witherspoon makes driving layup
2nd Half70-66Omari Witherspoon makes free throw 1 of 1
2nd Half71-66Butta Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half72-66Jestin Porter makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half73-66Jestin Porter makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half73-67Brandin Cummings makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half73-68Brandin Cummings makes free throw 2 of 2