Pitt players taking business-like approach into key ACC matchup with Clemson

A look around the Pitt men’s basketball program — from the team’s record to fan engagement to future prospects — reveals a general positive feeling not seen in some time.

After two straight wins over ranked teams, Pitt (11-4, 4-0 ACC) finds itself in the conversation to be ranked for the first time in nearly seven years, when Jamie Dixon was still leading the program.

Key for the Panthers in making that happen will be coming out on top in Saturday’s 4 p.m. matchup with Clemson (12-3, 4-0 ACC) at Petersen Events Center.

The game represents an intriguing midseason matchup between two of the ACC’s top teams. But for the Panthers players, a more business-like attitude is prevailing.

“Being in this position is great. I recognize that,” said junior forward Blake Hinson, who leads Pitt with 17 points and 7 rebounds per game. “But nothing’s actually happened. We’ve won conference games, but nothing’s been completed, and nothing’s finished. There’s really nothing to be big-headed about.”

The Tigers are tied for the ACC lead in field-goal percentage (47.3%) and are the conference’s leader in 3-point shooting at 40.5%.

Nationally, Clemson’s 3-point shooting ranks 15th.

The Tigers rely on guards Brevin Galloway, Alex Hemenway and Chase Hunter, who combine to average 45% of Clemson’s 75.4 points per game.

Hemenway, who is averaging 9.8 points and shoots 50% on 3s, has missed three straight games heading into Saturday.

Hunter Tyson, a 6-foot-8 forward, leads Clemson with 15.5 points and 10.0 rebounds per game. Junior center P.J. Hall is averaging 12.6 points and 4.4 rebounds.

Clemson’s opposing field-goal percentage of 38.4% is best in the ACC.

The Panthers and Tigers both boast a 10-2 record over their last 12 games. Pitt defeated No. 11 Virginia on Tuesday and No. 25 North Carolina on Dec. 30.

Clemson is coming off a 68-65 victory over Virginia Tech on Wednesday in which five players scored in double figures.

“We’re in the ACC. The quality of opponents is high every time, so there’s not really much to talk about there,” Hinson said. “We’re just focusing on being 1-0 our next game.”

Graduate guard Jamarius Burton echoed Hinson’s sentiment, saying his team needs to stay grounded.

“We’re just trying to get better each and every day,” said Burton, who is averaging 15.7 points. “We’ve had two big wins, but for us, it’s about not getting complacent, understanding that we have another tremendous opportunity this weekend against Clemson. We’re just trying to lock in on that.”