Clemson women’s basketball stuns Duke for a massive Senior Day win
Clemson women’s basketball didn’t need a perfect night to knock off one of the ACC’s elite. It just needed belief, toughness, and one fearless shot.
With the clock winding down and Littlejohn Coliseum buzzing, Hannah Kohn buried a deep three-pointer with nine seconds remaining to push Clemson past No. 9 Duke, 53-51, on Sunday. A final defensive stand followed, sealing a dramatic Senior Day victory and giving the Tigers their most significant win in years.
Advertisement
The win marked Clemson’s first 10-win ACC season since 2000-01 and its highest-ranked triumph under head coach Shawn Poppie, who labeled the result a “program-changing win.” Clemson also reached 19 victories for the first time in more than two decades.
Early on, it looked like Duke might run away with things. The Blue Devils stormed ahead 22-8 early in the second quarter behind freshman standout Toby Fournier. Clemson, however, chipped away thanks to a spark off the bench from senior transfer Morgan Lee, who hit her first three-pointer of the season and ignited a 10-0 run.
Despite offensive struggles in the third quarter, the Tigers stayed within striking distance and exploded late. Demeara Hinds scored repeatedly in the paint, while Mia Moore and Taylor Johnson-Matthews each knocked down timely shots. Moore’s and-one layup gave Clemson its first lead of the second half, and Johnson-Matthews followed with a three to stretch the margin.
Kohn’s late triple proved to be the final blow.
Moore and Johnson-Matthews finished with 11 points apiece, while Hinds added key rebounds and clutch free throws. Clemson shot 91 percent at the line and forced 17 turnovers in a gritty, physical battle.
Advertisement
Up next, the Tigers head west for road games against California and Stanford as postseason hopes continue to grow.
Contact us @Clemson_Wire on X, and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Clemson Tigers news and notes, plus opinions.
This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: Clemson women’s basketball upsets ACC opponent No. 9 Duke Blue Devils