No. 22 Clemson Ends Miami's 10-Game Win Streak with 69-59 Defensive Masterpiece
CLEMSON, S.C. — Carter Welling scored a season-high 18 points and the Clemson defense forced a season-high 11 steals as the No. 22 Tigers defeated Miami 69-59 Saturday, handing the Hurricanes their first Atlantic Coast Conference loss and snapping their 10-game winning streak.
Clemson (16-3, 6-0 ACC) remained one of two undefeated teams in ACC play while holding Miami (15-3, 4-1) to its lowest point total of the season. The Tigers' suffocating defense disrupted the Hurricanes' offensive flow from the opening possession, forcing difficult shots and generating turnovers.
The Tigers jumped ahead early, with Welling drilling two three-pointers to stake Clemson to an 8-0 lead. When Miami clawed back to within 15-12, Welling sparked a 16-6 surge that pushed the advantage to double digits.
Miami star Malik Reneau, entering the game averaging 20.4 points, managed only 11 before fouling out with 7:05 remaining. Reneau played just 21 minutes, his foul trouble severely limiting the Hurricanes' offensive options. Clemson's physical defense forced Reneau into uncomfortable positions throughout his limited court time.
The Tigers extended their lead to 53-38 on an RJ Godfrey basket before Miami mounted a final rally. Shelton Henderson's foul shots cut the deficit to eight, but Clemson's experienced guards managed the clock and made crucial free throws down the stretch.
Stars and Standouts
Welling's 18-point, nine-rebound performance anchored Clemson's effort. The senior forward demonstrated scoring versatility, knocking down early three-pointers to set the tone before finishing around the basket. His nine boards contributed to Clemson's overall rebounding effort.
Jestin Porter added 11 points and played exceptional perimeter defense. Godfrey chipped in 10 points despite Miami's focus on limiting his touches. The Tigers received contributions from their entire rotation, with Jake Wahlin, Dillon Hunter, and Nick Davidson combining for 22 points.
Defensively, the Tigers were exceptional. The 11 steals represented aggressive, active hands in passing lanes. Clemson's help defense prevented easy baskets, forcing Miami into contested jumpers.
Ernest Udeh provided one bright spot for Miami with 17 rebounds, but the Hurricanes struggled to convert those opportunities into points.
ACC Tournament Implications
The victory over Miami carries significant weight for Clemson's ACC Tournament seeding and NCAA Tournament resume. Defeating a team on a 10-game winning streak, particularly one ranked in the top 20 of most metrics, enhances the Tigers' profile.
At 6-0 in conference play, Clemson positioned itself as a serious contender for a top seed in the ACC Tournament. The double-bye awarded to the top four finishers provides a crucial advantage in the grueling tournament format.
More importantly, this type of defensive performance demonstrates tournament readiness. Championship teams win games when shots are not falling by relying on defense, and Clemson showed that capability. The Tigers' ability to limit a talented offensive team like Miami to 59 points speaks to their defensive identity and coaching.
The win extended Clemson's winning streak to nine games, building momentum as the team navigates the challenging ACC schedule. Road games loom ahead, making home victories like this one essential for maintaining position in the standings.
