The Clemson women’s basketball team defeated the Southern Methodist University Mustangs 72-46 at Moody Coliseum in Dallas, Texas, on Sunday. The Tigers got a much-needed win to bump their record back to .500 and build momentum as the postseason quickly approaches.
The victory was the Tigers’ second consecutive ACC win, making them a perfect 2-0 for the week. The 72-46 victory marked the program’s most significant margin of victory against an ACC opponent in six years, when Clemson defeated Boston College by 33 points in 2019.
The Tigers (13-13, 6-9 ACC) utilized their star power against a vulnerable SMU defense that has struggled to stop opponents from scoring all season. Guard Loyal McQueen acted as the catalyst of Clemson’s offensive attack, scoring 21 points on a 60% field goal percentage and tallying 14 points in the first half alone.
A standout performance from the guard has become a familiar sight for Clemson fans, as McQueen has now scored 20 or more points in a game four times this season.
By the end of the first quarter, the Mustangs (10-16, 2-12 ACC) led the Tigers at 18-16 as Clemson attacked the paint and converted on 3-point shots throughout the first half. Guard Hannah Kohn would give the Tigers their first lead of the game in the second quarter when she cashed a deep 3-pointer off an assist from McQueen.
The two teams would battle back and forth throughout the second quarter until guard Addie Porter and McQueen led Clemson to a 13-2 run to close out the half.
The scoring barrage did not slow down in the second half as the Tigers pushed their lead to 20 points in the third quarter and continued their dominant performance for the remainder of the contest.
The scoring attack wasn’t the only key component of Clemson’s commanding game plan. The team showcased one of its best defensive performances of the season, as it outrebounded the Mustangs 48-24 and held them to just under 35% from the field.
The result was a statement win for Shawn Poppie and his team, who hold the keys to their fate with only three games remaining in the regular season. Sunday’s performance proved how effective Poppie’s squad can be when it all comes together.
The Tigers will continue their road trip as they travel north to face off against Pittsburgh on Sunday at 1 p.m. in Petersen Events Center.
