Pittsburgh Basketball: 3 keys to beating Clemson in battle for 1st place

1. Defend Hunter Tyson without getting Hinson in foul trouble

Last season, 6’10 forward PJ Hall was the clear best player for Clemson. But he started the season off slow after offseason knee surgery and actually returned faster than many expected. He’s 100% now and is averaging 12.6 ppg and 4.4 rpg but in a 180 from last year, his frontcourt partner is now the clear best player for the Tigers.

Starting power forward Hunter Tyson is making an ACC Player of the Year case. He’s averaging 15.5 ppg and 10.0 rpg on the season (both leads team) while shooting 42% from three-point range and 89% from the line. He’s coming off a career-high 31 points and 15 rebounds in the win over NC State.

Tyson is a 6’8 forward and will be matched up against Pittsburgh’s best player, Blake Hinson, who leads the team with 17.0 ppg and 7.0 rpg. These are arguably the two best power forwards in the ACC and both play over 35 mpg so expect them to be on the court most of the time.

If either gets in foul trouble, that could be decisive in this game. And that could be the advantage for Clemson, as Hinson does average around four fouls a game, including two of the last three games. One adjustment that could be made is having either Hall or Federiko Federiko guard the opposing power forward since Hinson is big enough to deal with Hall, while Federiko isn’t much of an offensive threat.

Look for both players to have a good game but if one can be limited, that’ll have an impact on who wins.