Pitt
15-10,6-8ACC
Clemson
12-12,6-8ACC
PItt Falls to Clemson, 72-52
2/12/2020 11:17:00 PM | Men's Basketball
PITTSBURGH - The University of Pittsburgh men's basketball team fell to ACC foe Clemson, 72-52, Wednesday night at the Petersen Events Center.
The Tigers (12-12, 6-8 ACC) won their seventh straight over the Panthers (15-10, 6-8) by emerging from a shooting funk to snap a three-game losing streak. Clemson shot 50% (22 of 44) from the field, including 13 of 22 (59%) from 3-point range after shooting just 22% from 3 during their recent slide.
Al-Amir Dawes scored 18 points, Tevin Mack added 16 and Aamir Simms finished with 12 for the Tigers.
Justin Champagnie led Pitt with 11 points and Au'Diese Toney chipped in 10 but the Panthers couldn't seem to figure out Clemson's zone defense. Pitt shot just 31% (15 of 48) from the floor.
The Tigers have struggled to score recently, averaging just 48.3 points during the slide they brought to Petersen Events Center. Clemson missed its first five shots until Simms started attacking the lane before kicking the ball for open looks behind the 3-point line. The Tigers knocked down six 3-pointers in the opening 20 minutes to take a 32-24 lead at the break.
Clemson's lead increased to 50-31 on a layup by Mack before Pitt responded with a 14-1 surge to get within 51-45 on a pair of free throws by Xavier Johnson with 7:03 to go. The Tigers, however, steadied themselves behind Dawes and Simms. Dawes nailed a jumper to restore Clemson's advantage to double digits.
BIG PICTURE
Clemson: The Tigers needed a win if it wanted to stay in the mix in the muddled middle of the ACC. A strong finish could provide Clemson with some kind of postseason opportunity.
Pitt: The Panthers are now 1-4 following a win in ACC play. Four of the next six ACC contests are on the road, including two straight at Virginia Tech and Florida State.
UP NEXT
Clemson: Hosts No. 5 Louisville on Saturday. The Tigers fell to the Cardinals 80-62 on Jan. 25.
Pitt: Travels to Virginia Tech on Saturday. The Panthers have dropped each of their last three meetings with the Hokies.
