Last week, the Clemson women’s basketball team, 19-9, 10-6 ACC, was considered a hopeful for the NCAA Tournament. Fast forward a few days to a thrilling upset over then-No. 9 Duke, 20-7, 15-1 ACC, at home, and perspectives have begun to change. The Tigers are seeing more success under the helm of Shawn Poppie than ever before, and now the team is garnering some attention as one ready to dance in March.
Clemson’s final two games of the 2026 regular season are on the road on the West Coast, with matchups against California and Stanford, respectively. To move up in seeding, Clemson needs to beat both squads and make a quality run in March’s ACC tournament. Of the remaining two games, Cal, 17-12, 8-8 ACC, is the tougher opponent, boasting a 12-3 home record. The Golden Bears could prove to be a tough outing for Clemson, but if it carries momentum from beating Duke, one of the best teams in the ACC, there is a real chance.
Stanford, 17-12, 6-10 ACC, is a must-win game for the Tigers if they want to keep their postseason hopes alive. It’s interesting to note that both Stanford and Cal have a 17-12 record. So, what are the keys to ensuring the Tigers snag both wins and find the right form in the ACC tournament?
Win the battle in the paint
Clemson needs as many points in the paint as possible. The Lady Tigers need to establish their dominance early and often.
Keep staying hot
Clemson has battled the best of the best in the country and has come close many times in various games. This team has played well, especially late in matchups, so keeping that pace is vital.
Shoot the 3-pointers
Clemson can have success if its best players are making 3-pointers as much as possible. Namely, Mia Moore, Rusne Augustinaite and Rachael Rose are some of Clemon’s most accurate 3-point shooters. But if the game is in doubt, Hannah Kohn can knock one down from beyond the arc.
If these three things can come together, Clemson is bound to win both of its final two games. Add in a little ACC tournament chaos, and this team could see its first March Madness appearance since the 2019 season.
