Clemson Downs Oklahoma, Leaves Bahamas With a Win

BIMINI, Bahamas – The Clemson Tigers (3-3) are leaving Bimini on a high note after defeating Oklahoma (2-3) 74-62 to finish in third place in the Junkanoo division of the Junkanoo Jam. Friday’s win marked Clemson’s first victory over a Big 12 opponent since 1999 when the Tigers defeated 14th-ranked Iowa State, 81-72.

Senior Danielle Edwards led all scorers on the night, pouring in 24 points for Clemson on 9-of-17 shooting. Kobi Thornton and Simone Westbrook recorded double-digit games of their own, tallying 18 and 11 points, respectively.

Thornton also hauled in a team-leading 10 rebounds for her second double-double of the season. The Tigers totaled 16 steals on defense and forced the Sooners into 27 turnovers throughout the game.

“That was a really good win,” said head coach Amanda Butler. “I’m really proud of the improvement and growth that we showed from day one to day two in this tournament.”

Edwards set the tone early with back-to-back layups in the first minute of action to give Clemson an early 4-0 lead. Oklahoma battled back, and the teams traded the lead through the first frame, finishing the quarter tied at 17.

The Tigers came alive from the 3-point arc to start the second frame as Westbrook and sophomore Destiny Thomas knocked down back-to-back long balls. The Sooners rallied to tie the game at 27 with 4:34 remaining in the half, but it was all Tigers from there on out. Clemson finished the first half on a 16-0 run with five different players recording a basket.

💦💦💦

Edwards for THREEEEEEE!

41-27, Clemson, :32 Q2 pic.twitter.com/afsT4efEfF

— Clemson Women's Basketball (@ClemsonWBB) November 24, 2018

The Sooners opened scoring in the second half, but Thornton responded with a mid-range jumper to keep the lead at 15. Oklahoma crept back in the game in the third, outscoring the Tigers 20-10 to cut the lead to six heading into the final 10 minutes.

Clemson responded with a 21-point fourth quarter led by Thornton who shot 4-of-6 from the field in the final quarter. The lead never dipped below five points for the Tigers as they finished the game on a 7-2 run.