Clemson continued its hot start to the 2024-2025 women’s basketball season with a 91-33 win against the NC Central Eagles on Thursday night. The Tigers combined hard-nosed defense with efficient shooting, proving too much for the Eagles.

The Tigers’ momentum from their previous 78-44 win against Jackson State was displayed early, as Clemson dominated throughout the entire first half of the game. Clemson entered the halftime break with a 45-11 lead as the team showcased a smothering defense that the Eagles could not seem to get around. The Tigers forced 17 turnovers and pulled down 18 defensive rebounds in the first half, allowing them to create easy opportunities on offense.

Clemson’s offense revolved around its players’ ability to create space throughout the court, which led to open 3-point attempts and easy looks inside. The Tigers shot 9-for-17 on 3-point attempts and scored 40 points in the paint. Clemson was able to draw several fouls in the paint, going 18-for-20 from the free-throw line.

Guard Loyal McQueen led the Tigers with 22 points, five assists and two steals. McQueen is a transfer guard from Alabama and has been a critical piece in Clemson’s offense in the season’s first two games.

Clemson head coach Shawn Poppie made it clear before the season tipped off that he wanted to bring a winning culture back to Clemson women’s basketball and has upheld his promise through the first two games. Poppie played 12 players on Thursday, and 11 players recorded a score, showcasing the depth that Poppie has created through recruiting and the transfer portal.

The Tigers will be back in action on Monday at 11 a.m. when they face Presbyterian at Littlejohn Coliseum.