CLEMSON — Having the last six days off came at the right time for No. 22 Clemson.

There was a stretch where the Tigers played four games in 10 days and five in two weeks prior to the break. By the end, it caught up with them, as their nine-game winning streak was cut short by NC State at home on Jan. 20.

The Tigers (17-4, 7-1 ACC) did bounce back to knock of Georgia Tech on the road last Saturday, extending their road win streak in conference play to 12 games – tied for the fourth longest streak in ACC history.

However, Clemson returns home Saturday to face Pittsburgh (9-12, 2-6 ACC) at Littlejohn Coliseum.

“The games can come at you really quick, especially when you have a Wednesday, Saturday, Tuesday situation or maybe the teams were getting ready when you go to California and then you come back. Those can take a lot out of you,” Clemson head coach Brad Brownell said. “So yeah, I hope the break (came) at a good time.”

Considering the winter weather that hit Clemson last week, the Tigers did not have to worry about it messing up their practice or academic schedules since they were off.

Clemson University was closed this past Monday due to the ice that hit the Upstate last Sunday, and the inclement weather which caused delays most of the week thanks to the melting ice and the freezing temperatures.

“It would have been difficult for us to have a couple of days of practice if we played a game Tuesday or Wednesday this week,” Brownell said. “So, that is probably good for us as well this week.”

The Tigers beat Pitt on Jan. 3 in Pittsburgh. They won by five points, as they started an ACC season for the first time in history with back-to-back road wins.

“They can really spread you out and shoot it,” Brownell said about the Panthers. “I think Jeff runs a good offense, where their spacing is terrific and they move the ball.

“We played very well in that game. They played well for good bits of the game, as well. It was a very difficult game early. It was our second league road game. It is like anything – they will have our full attention.”

It seems that has always been the case when the Tigers play the Panthers. Clemson has won 14 straight games in the Pitt series, dating back to 2014.

WEATHER UPDATE

At the time this story was written, Saturday’s game in Clemson is still scheduled for a noon tip. If you come to Clemson for the game, expect temperatures to be around 32 degrees at tip off. As much as a half-foot of snow is expected in some areas of the Upstate in the morning, including 2 to 4 inches of snow in the Clemson area. Some roads are expected to be treacherous coming in and out of Clemson. Travel with caution and give yourself time to make the game and return home safely.