CLEMSON — We have hit the middle of January, and Clemson is just one of only three teams in the ACC that are still unbeaten in league play.

The No. 22 Tigers will welcome one of the other two undefeated teams in Miami to town on Saturday, in what could end up being another Quad 1 opportunity for Brad Brownell’s team.

The Hurricanes are currently No. 31 in the NET Rankings, one spot outside of Quad 1 territory.

Clemson is currently 3-2 in Quad 1 games and 4-1 in Quad 2 action.

“They have a really talented roster,” Brownell said of Miami. “They are playing great.”

Clemson comes in after having blown out Boston College on Tuesday night, extending the team’s winning streak to eight games. The Hurricanes, who have won 10 straight, went on the road and beat Notre Dame 81-69 on Tuesday.

Like Clemson, Miami came into the season with a lot of new faces, plus a new head coach in Jai Lucas, who took over in March after longtime leader Jim Larrañaga retired. Despite all of that turnover, the ‘Canes are playing as well as any team in the ACC.

“Jay has done a great job with their group,” Brownell added. “They have come together too, just like a whole new team. They play really hard. Multiple guys that can score and defend the fire out of you. Rebounding as well as maybe anybody in the league.”

The Tigers have been led by RJ Godfrey (12.2 PPG) and Jestin Porter (11.3 PPG). However, Nick Davidson, Carter Welling, Dillon Hunter and Butta Johson have all stepped up at different times, as well.

With Clemson having won all nine games at home this season, Brownell is hoping for an electric atmosphere on the Tigers’ home court.

“It will be a big-time game,” Brownell said. “Looking forward to it. Certainly hope we get a sell-out at Littlejohn.”

Clemson is currently ranked No. 28 in the NET.

Tipoff is set for 2:15 p.m., and the game will be televised on The CW Network.

Photo by Bart Boatwright