Clemson women’s basketball started their season off with a bang after defeating USC Upstate 64-47 at Littlejohn Coliseum on Wednesday night. 

Despite the game being close at the start, Clemson managed to pull away in the second period after going on a 14-6 run to end the first half. Junior forward Amari Robinson contributed six points in the run and finished the game with 12 points and four rebounds. Robinson was one of four Tigers who scored double-digits in the game.

Throughout the second half, Clemson and USC Upstate continued to exchange mini-scoring runs with each other, but USC Upstate could not overcome Clemson’s high powered offense that led the Tigers to the 17 point victory. 

There are three things to note from this game that offer a lot of hope for this Clemson women’s basketball season. 

First, Clemson can score from anyone. Despite the Tiger’s arguably second best player, Gabby Elliott, missing the game, the Tigers had four players who scored in double digits. Those players were guard Daisha Bradford (16 points), Robinson (14 points), guard Delicia Washington (14 points) and guard Kiara Lewis (10 points). 

The second thing to note is that the Tigers’ defense can force turnovers at will. The Tigers had 11 steals and seven blocks in the game. Lewis had five steals and a block, while freshman center Eno Inyang had four blocks and a steal. 

Finally, Clemson has a lot of untapped potential with its freshmen. Although their box scores do not jump out, in large part due to the lack of minutes, one can tell that they have a lot to contribute. Inyang is extremely effective on the boards as she had ten rebounds and four blocks in the game. Kionna Gaines is very shifty and can create shots for herself, while Madi Ott is a knockdown three-point shooter. 

The Clemson women’s basketball team will resume action on Sunday, Nov. 14 at noon EST as they host Columbia University.