Coach Butler Postgame
Columbia, S.C. – The Clemson women’s basketball team dropped to 1-2 on the young season as top-ranked South Carolina (3-0) pulled away in the second half for a 76-45 victory inside Colonial Life Arena on Wednesday night in front of a crowd of 13,350.
Gabby Elliot led the Tigers with 11 points, going perfect from behind the arc (3-for-3), but her precision would not be enough to help Clemson overcome South Carolina’s defensive presence.
Clemson shot 29.1 percent from the floor, going 16-of-55 and added just one additional three-pointer in 14 attempts beyond Elliott’s effort. Kiki Lewis and Tree Saine added eight points apiece for the Tigers, who were outrebounded 42-23, in part due to three post players fighting foul trouble.
Clemson trailed by just one, 15-14, at the end of the first quarter. South Carolina clamped down defensively, outscoring the Tigers 12-3 in the second quarter to take a 27-17 lead into the half. South Carolina came out of halftime on an 18-6 run in the first four minutes of the second half to help pull away, and extend the lead to 30 early in the fourth quarter.
South Carolina shot 48.1 percent (26-of-54) from the floor and 42.1 percent (8-of-19) from beyond the 3-point arc.
The Tigers scored 17 points in the first half South Carolina went 10-for-15 at the free-throw line which proved to be the difference in the first half.
The Tigers will be back at home on Sunday, Nov. 21 when they host Penn State at 2 p.m. and that game will be live on the ACCN. Admission to the Alliance matchup is free.
