Clemson, S.C. – Despite a competitive first half and historic crowd, Clemson women’s basketball (3-1) fell to No. 1/1 South Carolina (3-0) 65-44 in Littlejohn Coliseum on Thursday night.
Tonight’s game featured 5,629 fans, the fourth-largest crowd in Clemson women's basketball program history.
The Tigers were led by junior guard Mackenzie Nelson, who notched a season-high 17 points (11 points at the free-throw line). Junior forward Edie Clarke and senior Yakiya Milton both contributed, grabbing seven rebounds each.
Clemson held the Gamecocks to a season-low 65 points on 43 percent shooting from the field and 27 percent shooting from three-point range. However, the Tigers’ offense struggled to ever find a rhythm as they shot 22 percent from the field and 13 percent from beyond the arc.
The Gamecocks were led by Tessa Johnson’s 13 points and Chloe Kitts’ second double-double of the season. (12 points, 12 rebounds).
HOW THE GAME WAS DECIDED
After a valiant effort in the first half, Clemson went into the break down 30-21. South Carolina then erupted in the third quarter, outscoring the Tigers 21-7. Those seven Clemson points all came from free throws. The Tigers outscored the Gamecocks 16-14 in the final quarter, but ultimately it wasn’t enough, as South Carolina secured the 65-44 win.
HEAD COACH SHAWN POPPIE SAID
NOTABLE NUMBERS
- Tonight's attendance of 5,629, was the fourth-largest Littlejohn Coliseum crowd in program history.
- Clemson is now 15-2 through its last 17 home games.
- This was the fourth straight game with the same starting five for the Tigers.
- Nelson (17 points, career-high 11 made free throws) notched a season-high in points and scored in double figures for the second time this season.
- Milton recorded a season-high seven rebounds.
- Clemson recorded a season-high in both free-throw attempts (28) as well as free throws made (20).
UP NEXT
Clemson welcomes Stetson to Littlejohn Coliseum on Sunday, Nov. 15. Tipoff is slated for 5 p.m., and the game will air live on ACCN, the Clemson Athletic Radio Network, and SiriusXM. Sunday will be the program's annual ClemsonLife Game.
TICKETS
Fans can purchase women's basketball tickets by calling 1-800-CLEMSON or at ClemsonTigers.com/Tickets/.
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