CLEMSON, S.C. – Clemson women’s basketball (1-0) topped Radford (0-1), 68-47, in its 2026-27 season opener Monday afternoon at Littlejohn Coliseum. The Tigers earned their 13th straight season-opening victory.
Junior guard Mackenzie Nelson led Clemson with 16 points, three assists, two steals and two rebounds in her Tigers debut. Sophomore guard Taliyah Henderson added 15 points, six rebounds, two steals and one assist in her debut, while sophomore guard Holland Harris contributed 11 points, two rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block.
Kailyn Fileds and Angelina Nice led Radford with 12 points apiece.
HOW THE GAME WAS DECIDED
Clemson used a 13-0 run late in the third quarter to build a 47-35 lead with one minute remaining. The Tigers extended their lead to as many as 21 points in the fourth quarter.
MACKENZIE NELSON POSTGAME ON COURT INTERVIEW
HEAD COACH SHAWN POPPIE SAID
HIGHLIGHTS
NOTABLE NUMBERS
- Clemson has won 13 straight season openers, dating to 2014-15, and improved to 39-13 all-time in openers.
- Head coach Shawn Poppie remains undefeated in season openers as a head coach (5-0).
- Clemson improved to 9-0 all-time against Radford.
- Graduate guard Mia Moore, who scored nine points, made her 89th career start. Henderson earned her first career start.
- Eight Tigers made their Clemson debuts: junior forward Edie Clarke, Nelson, Henderson, senior forwards Yakiya Milton and Jenna Lawrence, freshman forward Kimora Fields, and freshman guards Meeyah Green and Julia Scott.
- All three freshmen scored their first collegiate points: Green (3), Fields (2) and Scott (2).
UP NEXT
Clemson welcomes ETSU to Littlejohn Coliseum on Thursday, Nov. 5. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. on ACCNX and the Clemson Athletic Radio Network.
TICKETS
Fans can purchase women’s basketball tickets by calling 1-800-CLEMSON or visiting ClemsonTigers.com/Tickets.
FOLLOW CLEMSON WOMEN’S BASKETBALL