The Clemson Tigers stunned the Miami Hurricanes in an electrifying 69-59 ACC conference win on Saturday afternoon at Littlejohn Coliseum. Both teams went into the game undefeated in the ACC, making this game a pivotal conference matchup.

The Tigers, 16-3, 6-0 ACC, held a 9-point lead at halftime, establishing dominance and taking control on their home court.

Clemson came out capitalizing on defense, forcing early Miami turnovers and giving the Tigers control. Clemson junior center Carter Welling struck first with a 3-pointer assisted by senior guard Dillon Hunter, igniting the home crowd. Welling was active on both boards tonight, recording 18 points and nine rebounds.

“Carter’s an improving player,” Brownell said after the game. “I’m pleased with his defensive development. Just his understanding … I think he led us in defensive rebounds again, which is terrific. Seven, nine rebounds total. I thought he played very well, (and) was a major factor in the game.”

At the start of the second half, Clemson carried over its first-half momentum, but Miami refused to back down. Miami forward Malik Reneau hit a 3-pointer, assisted by freshman forward Shelton Henderson, signaling that the Hurricanes weren’t going quietly.

Despite offensive bursts from Henderson and Reneau, Clemson’s defense remained disruptive, contesting high-percentage shots and continuing to force more turnovers, which the Tigers efficiently converted into points.

Miami started to close the gap, but Clemson answered with Welling’s perfect free throws, key layups set up by guard Jestin Porter and forward Nick Davidson, and a momentum-shifting 3-pointer from Hunter.

After securing a hard-fought ACC win, the Tigers prepare to face fellow ACC team NC State back in Littlejohn Coliseum on Tuesday at 7 p.m.