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Clemson basketball has hit its stride with school not in session.
The Tigers (12-3, 2-0 ACC) are on a five-game win streak after beating Pitt 73-68 on Jan. 3 at Petersen Events Center in Pittsburgh. This is Clemson's longest win streak this season with notable victories coming against two conference opponents on the road (Syracuse, Pitt), its rival (South Carolina) and the Big 12's Cincinnati at a neutral site.
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The streak has come with players out of school for winter break. This has allowed the Tigers to practice without academic restrictions, similar to other teams, but this was critical for a Clemson team that underwent its largest roster turnover under coach Brad Brownell.
"It was nice to have these games, maybe, during the break," Brownell said. "Not just that they didn't have any students or whatever, but we've been able to really practice. Our team has improved a lot over the last month."
Clemson welcomed 10 new players, including six transfers and four freshmen, to join three returning players with only one, guard Dillon Hunter, who played in games last season.
Brownell said the time-off allowed the Tigers to have more practices, occasionally twice a day, and extra film sessions.
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Clemson guard Jestin Porter, who transferred from Middle Tennessee State, scorched the Panthers (7-8, 0-2), scoring a season-high 21 points. He made two critical threes in the second half to propel the Tigers.
He was effective despite tying for a team high in turnovers with four. He contributed to Clemson committing a season-high 14 turnovers.
"Some of that was careless turnovers on our end, but it's basketball," Porter said.
Guard Butta Johnson, a UAB transfer, added 10 points, including a critical 3-pointer to tie the game at 56 with 8:46 left in the game and end Pitt's 6-0 run in the second half. Johnson, Porter and Hunter all effectively executed the full-court press throughout the game to force turnovers.
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Clemson forward RJ Godfrey, who transferred from Georgia after spending two seasons with the Tigers prior, was a force in the paint. He scored 14 points, his third straight game reaching double figures.
Center Nick Davidson, a Nevada transfer, chipped in 14 points off the bench, and center Carter Welling, who transferred from Utah Valley, nearly had a double-double with eight points, 10 rebounds. He also had two blocks.
Clemson is averaging 68.6 points and allowing 63.6 points during this win streak. Five players have been the Tigers leading scorer in each game.
The Tigers will look to remain effective entering the new year with classes beginning Jan. 7.
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"It helped bring a team that (has) 10 new guys," Brownell said. "It helped us grow, so getting off to the good start with two (ACC) wins just helps build our confidence as well."
Derrian Carter covers Clemson athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email him at DCarter@usatodayco.com and follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DerrianCarter00
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Clemson basketball beats Pitt to start ACC play undefeated
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