Clemson Women's Basketball Secures NCAA Bid

0:00On March 5, Clemson Women's basketball team beat Virginia 63-50 in the second round of the ACC tournament. This win sends the Tigers to the quarterfinals for the first time since 2021, and likely locks in their spot in the NCAA tournament there. First since 2019, the Tigers now stand at 21 wins and 10 losses. Both teams shot poorly early on, with the score staying tight through 11 lead changes and no big runs. Clemson found its rhythm late, sparked by senior guard Mia Moore, who scored just two points in the first half, but erupted for 17 after the break, including 10 in the fourth quarter. Code Sean Poppy called it a gritty battle between two bubble teams, praising his squad's toughness and balance effort. Moore stepped up big after early foul trouble, helping squeeze Virginia's offense to just 32.8% shooting. A key 13-2 run bridging the third and fourth quarters sealed it, fueled by three pointers from Hanacon and Taylor Johnson Matthews.

1:03Next up, Clemson faces top-seated Duke Friday at 11 a.m. on ESPN2, in a rematch of their recent upset win that snapped the Blue Devils. 17 game streak. The Tigers' no-slowing-dubs transition game will be crucial against one of the nation's best defenses.