Tigers Fall, 72-58, at #21 Georgia Tech

Jan. 11, 2010

ATLANTA – The Clemson women’s basketball team fought with #21 Georgia Tech, but the Yellow Jackets hit 17 of 21 free throws in the second half to pull away from the Tigers, 72-58 on Monday night in Alexander Memorial Coliseum. Clemson falls to 9-9 on the season and 0-2 in the ACC, while the Jackets improved to 14-3 overall.

Lele Hardy and Shaniqua Pauldo each had 11 points in the defeat.

Georgia stormed out of the gate in the second half on a 14-2 run in the first 3:30, taking a 49-31 lead, which ended up being the deciding run. The Jackets held the cushion for much of the second half. Clemson cut the deficit to nine with two minutes remaining, but could get no closer, falling to their second straight ranked opponent.

Clemson’s defense was consistent for much of the evening, holding the Jackets to 38.6% shooting and only 22 made field goals, but three Tiger bigs each registered their fourth foul with 11:58 remaining in the game, helping Georgia Tech to a 48-33 rebounding advantage. The Tigers held the Jackets without a field goal in the final 6:41 of the game, but the Yellow Jackets did a significant amount of damage from the line, hitting 25 of their 36 free throw attempts, while Clemson only managed 8-14 from the line.

The Tigers also forced Georgia Tech into 20 turnovers, with Hardy leading the way with three steals, giving her 346 in her career. Mason added three blocks as well. Hardy also dished out five assists and pulled in five rebounds, but struggled from the floor, hitting on four of her 18 attempts.

Clemson’s bench made it 14 straight games outscoring the opponents’ reserves, registering 29 points to Tech’s 20.

Bridgette Ardossi led all scorers with 19 points, also adding eight rebounds and four steals. Mo Bennett was the only other Jacket in double figures with 15 points.

Georgia Tech took an early 11-point lead on the Tigers at 17-6. Clemson fought back, closing the Yellow Jacket lead to two at 26-24 on a layup by Lindsey Mason, who had eight straight points for the Tigers. Georgia Tech held Clemson without a point for the final 2:16 of the half, taking a 35-29 lead into the locker room.

Clemson returns to action on Thursday night as they play host to their third of four straight ranked opponents. Florida State comes to Littlejohn, fresh off a loss at Miami on Sunday night. Tipoff is slated for 7:00 pm and as part of education recognition, any educator showing their school identification will receive free admission to the contest.