Joseph Girard III and PJ Hall combine for 47 points
The Clemson men’s basketball team started their ACC season on a high note, securing a 79-70 victory over the Pittsburgh Panthers. The game was particularly noteworthy due to the exceptional performance of Joseph Girard III, who contributed a significant 25 points. This marked his most impressive showing since his transfer to Clemson from Syracuse.
Girard III wasn’t the only standout in the game. Alongside him, PJ Hall put forth a strong effort, helping to lead the team to victory. Together, Hall and Girard III combined for a total of 47 points.
Adding to the team’s success, Ian Schieffelin had a commendable performance on the defensive end. He collected a career-high 17 rebounds, demonstrating his ability to effectively control the boards.
Securing their 11th consecutive victory against the Panthers (5-3, 0-1 ACC), Clemson matched its record for successive wins against the same ACC adversary, a feat previously achieved against Virginia from 1959-65. Additionally, this marks the fifth successive triumph at Pittsburgh’s home court, equalling Clemson’s record for continuous away victories against the same ACC opponent, previously accomplished at Virginia from 1959-65 and Boston College from 2013-20.
First Half Dominance
Clemson started the game strong, taking an early lead. In the first half, Girard III made his presence known by sinking a 2-point jumper, which pushed Clemson’s lead to 36-26 at the 52-second mark. Despite an early 6-0 run by Pitt, Clemson managed to maintain their lead due to Girard III’s stellar performance.
Second Half and Pitt’s Attempted Comeback
In the second half, Pitt tried to stage a comeback. However, Clemson was able to handle the late flurry from Pitt, thanks in large part to the combined efforts of Girard III and PJ Hall. The Tigers were able to fend off Pitt’s attempts to close the gap, ultimately securing their first ACC win.
Standout Performance by Joseph Girard III
The star of the game was undoubtedly Joseph Girard III. Scoring 25 points, Girard III had his best game yet as a Tiger. His performance was instrumental in Clemson’s win, providing the much-needed offensive firepower. Girard III’s scoring spree included key free throws towards the end of the game that helped secure Clemson’s victory.
Girard III, a Clemson newcomer, has been showing promising signs since his transfer from Syracuse. He has consistently contributed valuable points in previous games, but this game marked his highest-scoring performance so far.
Implications for the Season
This win is significant for Clemson, marking their best start to a season since 2008. With this victory, Clemson improves to 7-0 on the year and 1-0 in ACC play. On the other hand, the loss sends Pitt to 5-3 on the year and 0-1 in ACC play. This win gives Clemson momentum and confidence as they continue their season, and it will be interesting to see how Girard III’s performance impacts the team going forward. Additionally, this win puts Clemson in a good position as they face tougher opponents in the coming weeks. With Girard III’s standout performance, the Tigers have shown that they have a reliable scoring option to complement PJ Hall in the paint. This could prove crucial in close games against other top teams.
Looking Ahead
Clemson will aim to continue their winning ways as they take on S. Carolina who is 6-0. This will be a tough matchup, but Clemson’s confidence and momentum from this win could make all the difference.
The win against Pitt marks an important milestone for Clemson’s season and serves as a strong statement to the rest of the conference. With Girard III and PJ Hall leading the charge, Clemson looks to continue their success throughout the season and make a name for themselves in the ACC.
It was exciting to see Clemson emerge victorious on the road over Pittsburgh. Joseph Girard III’s standout performance played a crucial role in the win, marking a promising start to Clemson’s ACC campaign.
