Clemson is set to host Miami in what promises to be an intense basketball matchup on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Littlejohn Coliseum in Clemson, South Carolina. The game will kick off at 2:15 PM and will be broadcasted on The CW.
As the 2025-2026 season unfolds, Clemson holds an overall record of 12-4, with a 2-3 record in the Big Ten. They come into this game riding high after winning their last three games, including a decisive away victory over Notre Dame (81-69) on January 13, a home win against Georgia Tech (91-81) on January 10, and a close contest against Wake Forest (81-77) on January 7.
The matchup against Miami will present a distinct challenge for the Tigers, as they face a highly efficient Hurricanes team that has a KenPom ranking of 29. Miami’s offense is led by talented veterans Tre Donaldson and Malik Reneau and excels at creating fast breaks and scoring opportunities, particularly through offensive rebounds, ranked 12th nationally with a 38.7% rate.
Clemson’s strength lies in their defensive efficiency, ranked 16th nationally with an adjusted efficiency rating of 96.8. The Tigers are known for their ability to disrupt opposing offenses and will need to focus on limiting Miami’s scoring opportunities while emphasizing their own ball control, as they have a turnover percentage of just 14.1%.
The key to victory for Clemson will be to neutralize Miami’s ability to run the game at a fast pace and to assert dominance in the paint. With both teams presenting formidable skills, especially in rebounding and defensive strategies, the Tigers must leverage their home court advantage and ensure they maintain a steady pace to limit Miami’s offensive firepower.
Interestingly, Miami has encountered criticism regarding their schedule, having faced predominantly weaker opponents. This game against Clemson will serve as a real litmus test to evaluate their performance against a highly ranked team, leaving fans curious about how they will adapt.
Predictions suggest a tight contest, with KenPom analytics favoring Clemson to edge out Miami with a projected score of 75 to 71, while Drew forecasts a slightly closer outcome of 71 to 67 in favor of the Tigers.
As both teams prepare to clash, the stakes are high, and the outcome could define the trajectory of their respective seasons. The stage is set for a thrilling game of strategy, skill, and determination as Clemson looks to assert themselves against the Hurricanes and fans eagerly anticipate the action.