Ninth-Ranked Georgia Edges Clemson, 59-47, on Monday

Dec. 28, 2009

Clemson, SC – The Clemson Lady Tigers came up just short against the ninth-ranked University of Georgia Lady Bulldogs Monday night in Littlejohn Coliseum. After a hard-fought battle, the Lady Bulldogs came out on top, 59-47. With the win, Georgia improved to 12-0 on the season and the Lady Tigers fell to 9-5.

Clemson was led once again by the solid play of senior Lele Hardy. Hardy finished the game with a game-high 13 points and eight rebounds. With her first rebound of the night, she hit the 800 career boards plateau, becoming only the third Tiger in history with 1300 points and 800 rebounds in a career. She also is the school record-holder with 330 career steals.

Freshman Keyrra Gillespie, who entered the night leading the ACC in assists, had seven dishes on the night, and also added five rebounds and three steals.

The teams traded defensive blows all night, with the Tigers holding Georgia to only 33.9% shooting, while the Bulldog D held Clemson to 28.8% shooting, a season low for Clemson, who had been 5-0 at home entering the night, and were on a three-game winning streak.

Georgia used 23 offensive rebounds to create extra scoring opportunities, registering 17 second chance points. Clemson nearly matched the Bulldogs, totaling 15 second chance points on the night, and Clemson’s bench outscored Georgia 18-11. However, Georgia’s stifling defense forced two shot clock violations and 22.6% shooting in the second half to put Clemson away.

After leading by as many as 13 in the seocnd half, a Clemson run brought the Tigers to within five points with 6:31 remaining on a three-pointer by Hardy. Georgia hit free throws down the stretch to come away with the final 12-point edge.

Clemson trailed 27-33 going into halftime. The Tigers were led by junior Sthefany Thomas who had 10 points in the first half, including two three-point baskets. The defense of the Tigers held the Lady Bulldogs to 39.4% shooting, including only 25% from three. The Lady Bulldogs were lead by freshman Angel Robinson, who totaled six points and 12 rebounds in the first half.

Clemson returns to action on Wednesday as they play host to the 10-2 Georgetown Hoyas at 7:00 pm in Littlejohn Coliseum.