ST. THOMAS, USVI – Nikki Dixon (24 points) and Nyilah Jamison-Myers (20 points) each had big days for Clemson off the bench, but the Tigers succumbed to a late Ohio State run in an 86-77 loss in the first game of the Paradise Jam at the University of the Virgin Islands. Clemson falls to 3-2, while the Buckeyes improve to 3-2 in the young season.
The Tigers trailed most of the first half, taking their first lead with just 0.1 seconds on the clock on a Dixon layup. In the second half, after trading baskets, the Tigers pressed ahead, taking a 65-57 lead with just under eight minutes to play. However, the Buckeyes outscored the Tiger, 27-12, from that point on, despite hitting just five field goals during the run.
Ohio State finished 32-41 from the free throw line, with both totals the most by a Clemson opponent since Nov. 14, 2008, when Furman went 32-40.
Jamison-Myers, playing in her first game of the season after missing the first four due to injury, made an instant impact, scoring a career-best 20 points on 9-11 shooting and pulled down 13 boards in 22 minutes. Dixon hit 8-13 from the floor and 8-11 free throws on her way to 24 points. Dixon also added a season-best seven assists, four rebounds, and a pair of steals.
Tiffany Lewis scored in double-figures for the first time as a Tiger, going for ten in 21 minutes. Shelbie Davenport scored nine, but was 3-12 from the floor and 3-11 from behind the arc in the game.
Kelsey Mitchell had 26 in the second half for Ohio State, and finished with 35, while Ameryst Alston had 17 of her 27 in the second half. The duo combined to go 21-for-21 from the line in the second half.
The Tigers return to action in the second game of the Paradise Jam at 4:30 p.m. EST on Friday against FGCU.
April 16, 2024
