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Clemson Downs #22/18 Florida State For Third Straight Win

Clemson Downs #22/18 Florida State For Third Straight WinClemson Downs #22/18 Florida State For Third Straight Win

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – For the second consecutive game, the Clemson Tigers emerged victorious over a ranked opponent, downing No. 22/18 Florida State, 57-45, Sunday afternoon at the Donald L. Tucker Center. Sunday’s win marked the first time in program history that Clemson has defeated back-to-back ranked opponents on the road. The Tigers benefited from a solid bench performance and an overall imposing defensive showing en route to starting conference play at 3-1 or better for the first time in 21 years.

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Thornton-2-2

Outscoring Florida State 21-10 in bench points, Clemson overcame a slow start that saw them trailing 13-10 through one quarter to control the game for the rest of the way. Shooting 41 percent from the field, the Tigers made the most of their opportunities down low, tabbing 32 points in the paint. Clemson’s defensive pressure set the tone in the contest with Florida State committing 23 turnovers, opportunities that the Tigers capitalized on with 20 points off turnovers.

Coming up with her 14th career double-double, Clemson forward Kobi Thornton led all scorers with 19 points on 9-of-17 shooting to go along with her 10 rebounds. As the X-factor for the Tigers, senior Aliyah Collier produced a superb veteran performance, making an impact on both ends of the floor. With 11 points and six rebounds, Collier came down with multiple hard-fought boards and, along with fellow guard Keniece Purvis, made a significant difference off the bench for the Tigers.

Box Score (PDF)

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Bennett says…NOT ON MY ⌚! 32-26 Clemson, 7:00 Q3 pic.twitter.com/XGsyopV5QX — Clemson Women's Basketball (@ClemsonWBB) January 13, 2019 Opens in a new window
Bennett says…NOT ON MY ⌚! 32-26 Clemson, 7:00 Q3 pic.twitter.com/XGsyopV5QX — Clemson Women's Basketball (@ClemsonWBB) January 13, 2019 Opens in a new window
Thornton takes a 🔥 dish from Westbrook! 48-45 Clemson, 3:20 Q4 pic.twitter.com/p1yre0iBL1 — Clemson Women's Basketball (@ClemsonWBB) January 13, 2019 Opens in a new window
Thornton takes a 🔥 dish from Westbrook! 48-45 Clemson, 3:20 Q4 pic.twitter.com/p1yre0iBL1 — Clemson Women's Basketball (@ClemsonWBB) January 13, 2019 Opens in a new window

That was a huge win over a really good team,” said head coach Amanda Butler. “We have a lot of respect for Florida State and it's remarkable to do that on their home floor. We knew it was going to be a battle, and it was ugly.

Defense-1-1

It was a game of runs as the Tigers used a pair of lengthy runs to close out both halves of the game. A 14-2 run by Clemson over the final 6:24 of the first half resulted in the Tigers sporting a 31-26 advantage at halftime. Led by Thornton, who notched 12 points on 6-of-10 shooting in the first half, Clemson used offensive efficiency to take a healthy lead into the locker room.

Trailing by eight points entering the fourth quarter, Florida State went on a 6-0 to pull to within one in a strong comeback attempt. However, Thornton put a halt to the Seminoles’ momentum with a critical jumper. Trading baskets through the middle third of the final quarter, Thornton kicked off another Tiger run, an 11-0 spurt, to close out the 12-point triumph for the Tigers.

GAME SELECTS

Photos by Megan Barnes

THE NEXT

Boasting a three-game win streak in conference action, Clemson look carry momentum into Littlejohn Coliseum when it takes on the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (12-4, 2-1) on Thursday, Jan. 17. The conference matchup is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. and will be broadcast on ACC Network Extra.

Get the latest news on all things Clemson women’s basketball by following us on Twitter (@ClemsonWBB), Facebook (/ClemsonTigersWBB) and Instagram (@ClemsonWBB).