Tigers Fall in Overtime Thriller to 9-Seed Southern California, 71-67

Columbia, S.C. – Clemson women’s basketball (21-12, 11-7 ACC) fell in the first round of the NCAA Tournament against Southern California (18-13, 9-9 Big Ten), 71-67, in overtime at Colonial Life Arena on Saturday afternoon.

Senior forward Raven Thompson put together her second double-double on the season, scoring 11 points and pulling down 12 boards while also registering three assists and three steals. Taylor Johnson-Matthews led the Tigers in the scoring column with 16 points. Senior center Morgan Lee added a season-high 12 points. Demeara Hinds put up 10 points and came down with five rebounds. Mia Moore was all over the floor, scoring nine points, grabbing six rebounds, assisting on a team-high six baskets, and registering three steals in 45 minutes. 

The Trojans were led by Big Ten Freshman of the Year Jazzy Davidson who had 31 points on the day.

HOW THE GAME WAS DECIDED

After a back and forth game that saw 17 lead changes during regulation and 11 during the fourth quarter, Moore had what looked to be a buzzer-beater and-one three, but both the basket and the foul were waved off after review, sending the game to overtime. In the extra period, the Tigers jumped out to a three-point lead, but three pointers on back-to-back possessions gave the Trojans a 67-64 lead that they would ride to a 71-67 final score.
 

NOTABLE NUMBERS

Clemson is now 7-3 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

Clemson is 0-1 in the NCAA Tournament as an 8-seed.

The Tigers fell to 0-2 all-time in overtime games in the NCAA Tournament.

Clemson finished the season 2-1 in overtime. 

The Tigers finished the season 14-3 when donning the white jerseys. 

Lee recorded a season-high, 12 points. 

Thompson (11 points, 12 rebounds) scored double figures for the 11th time this season while also notching her second double-double of the season. 

Johnson-Matthews (16 points) scored in double digits for the 17th time this season. 

Hinds (10 points) recorded double-digit points for the 14th time this season.