Lady Tigers Win At The Buzzer Over Winthrop

Dec. 20, 2005

CLEMSON, SC – Clemson freshman Susan Yenser hit a basket as the clock ran out to give the Lady Tigers a 52-51 victory over Winthrop on Tuesday night. Clemson led by as many as 11 points in the second half before a late Lady Eagle run gave the visiting team a three-point advantage with under one minute remaining. Senior Julie Talley converted on two free-throw attempts at the 0:11 mark to close the gap to a single point, 51-50, and then Yenser made the game winning bucket for the Lady Tigers.

The win was Clemson’s fifth of the season against six losses, while the loss dropped Winthrop to 2-6 on the year.

“We are very lucky to escape with a win,” said Lady Tiger Head Coach Cristy McKinney. “We played tentatively and I feel fortunate that the girls found a way to win it at the end”

After Talley’s two free throws, the Clemson team fouled Tiffany Rodd. She missed both and Maxienne White collected her 10th rebound of the game. White then dribbled down the court and put up a three-pointer with just seconds left. Winthrop’s Ashley Fann blocked the shot, and Tasha Taylor grabbed the ball and tried to give the Lady Tigers the win. Her shot missed and Yenser got possession and made her shot to be the hero.

“I just in the right place at the right time,” the rookie from Marietta, GA said. “I stayed optimistic the whole game and knew we would pull it out in the end.”

Clemson and the Lady Eagles were knotted at 24 apiece at halftime before the Lady Tigers gained an 11-point, 48-37, advantage in the second half. The home team saw its lead slowly slip away as Winthrop scored 13 unanswered points from the 7:05 mark until Talley’s free throws with just 11 second left on the clock.

Clemson then scored the last three points of the game for the victory.

Taylor was the Lady Tigers’ top scorer with 10 points, while White collected 11 rebounds, her third straight game with at least 10 boards. Tasha Phillips, who had been averaging 17 points per game in the five contests, played just four minutes after suffering a minor injury early in the game.

Iva Milevoj led the Lady Ealges with 10 points. Jolandra Crump had a team-high 11 rebounds, while Fann collected 10.

Clemson will play host to Savannah State on Friday, Dec. 23. The battle between Lady Tigers will be an afternoon contest beginning at 3:00 PM.