If you’re checking your phone to see who won the Clemson game, you’re likely looking at one of two very different scoreboards. It is mid-January 2026, which means the football pads are mostly packed away and the hardwood is where the real drama is unfolding.
Clemson just beat Miami 69-59 in a massive ACC basketball showdown at Littlejohn Coliseum. It happened Saturday afternoon, January 17, 2026. This wasn't just another win; it was a statement. The Tigers are now 16-3 overall and a perfect 6-0 in the ACC.
Honestly, it’s getting hard to ignore what Brad Brownell is doing with this squad. They just snapped Miami’s 10-game winning streak. They did it with a defense that felt like a suffocating blanket. Miami came in scoring over 88 points a game and left with their lowest total of the entire season.
Who Won the Clemson Game? Breaking Down the Miami Victory
Carter Welling is the name you’ll see all over the box score today. He dropped 18 points, which is a season-high for him. He basically set the tone from the jump, hitting two threes to give Clemson an 8-0 lead before some fans had even found their seats.
The Tigers also got a huge lift from Jestin Porter and RJ Godfrey.
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Porter chipped in 11 points, while Godfrey added 10. But the real story was the steals. Clemson finished with 12 of them. They forced 16 turnovers total. It’s tough to win a basketball game when you’re constantly throwing the ball to the guys in the other jerseys.
Miami’s Malik Reneau, who usually averages over 20 points, was held to just 11. He spent more time dealing with foul trouble than actually playing, eventually fouling out with seven minutes left. That was pretty much the nail in the coffin.
What Happened with Clemson Football?
If you were actually looking for the final football score from the season that just wrapped up, things were a bit more bittersweet. Clemson's last football game was the Pinstripe Bowl on December 27, 2025.
They lost that one to Penn State, 22-10.
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It was a weird game at Yankee Stadium. The Tigers and Nittany Lions were locked in a 6-3 defensive struggle for most of the afternoon. Then, the fourth quarter happened. Penn State ripped off two long touchdown drives, and Clemson just couldn't find the end zone until it was too late.
Despite the loss, Cade Klubnik hit a major milestone. He passed Tajh Boyd to become the school's all-time leader in career pass completions. He also joined the exclusive 10,000-yard club. It’s a hell of a legacy, even if the 7-6 season record wasn't what Tigers fans are used to.
Recent Clemson Results at a Glance
- Basketball (Jan 17, 2026): Clemson 69, Miami 59 (W)
- Basketball (Jan 13, 2026): Clemson 74, Boston College 50 (W)
- Football (Dec 27, 2025): Penn State 22, Clemson 10 (L - Pinstripe Bowl)
- Football (Nov 29, 2025): Clemson 28, South Carolina 14 (W)
Why This Basketball Run is Different
You've probably noticed that Clemson isn't always a "basketball school," but this year feels sort of special. They are ranked No. 22 in the country, and that’s likely going up after this weekend.
They are one of only two teams still undefeated in ACC play.
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The defense is the anchor. Against Miami, they shot 65% from the field in the second half. That's absurd. Usually, when you play defense that hard, your legs go out on the offensive end. Not this group.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Clemson Season
A lot of people think the football "down year" means the whole athletic department is struggling. That’s just not true. While Dabo Swinney is busy retooling for a 2026 opener against LSU in Baton Rouge, the basketball team is carrying the torch.
People also forget how good the rivalry win was. Beating South Carolina 28-14 in Columbia back in November was the highlight of the football season. It gave the Tigers their sixth straight win at Williams-Brice Stadium. Ricardo Jones had two interceptions in that game, including a pick-six that basically ended it.
Looking Ahead
Clemson basketball doesn't have much time to celebrate. They stay at home to face NC State this coming Tuesday, January 20. If they win that, the hype train is going to be moving at full speed.
For football fans, the focus has shifted to the 2026 recruiting class and the massive opener against LSU. That game is scheduled for September 5, 2026. It'll be Clemson's first-ever trip to Death Valley in Louisiana.
If you're following the Tigers right now, keep an eye on the AP Top 25 polls coming out Monday. Clemson's jump in the rankings is going to be a major talking point in the sports world. Make sure to check the tip-off time for the NC State game, as Littlejohn Coliseum has been selling out fast during this nine-game winning streak.