The Clemson women’s basketball team, under the leadership of head coach Shawn Poppie, has earned recognition for its recent exceptional performances. The Tigers were named the USBWA (United States Basketball Writers Association) Team of the Week after a memorable week that included a win over No. 20 California and a thrilling overtime victory against Stanford. The team’s impressive defense, coupled with standout individual performances, set the stage for this achievement.
Clemson, with a 10-5 overall record and a 3-1 mark in conference play, showcased some of its best defensive play of the season during these two contests. First up was No. 20 California, which traveled to Littlejohn Coliseum with a reputation for its strong three-point shooting, ranking as the nation’s 10th-best team from beyond the arc. However, the Tigers’ defense proved to be a formidable challenge for the Golden Bears. Clemson’s defense stifled California’s long-range shooting, holding them to a mere 20% from three-point range, a stunning contrast to their usual high performance.
Offensively, the Tigers were led by point guard Loyal McQueen, a Florence, South Carolina native. McQueen’s leadership on both ends of the floor was crucial to Clemson’s success. She scored 18 points and contributed three rebounds and two assists in the game against California, helping the Tigers to a 69-58 victory. Her ability to score and distribute the ball was key, but it was her leadership that truly stood out, setting the tone for the Tigers’ resilience and tenacity throughout the game.
Joining McQueen in the spotlight was combo guard Mia Moore, whose own contributions helped Clemson’s offense flourish. Moore scored 14 points, grabbed five rebounds, and registered three steals, providing a well-rounded performance that helped secure the win for the Tigers. With McQueen and Moore leading the charge, Clemson was able to stifle the Golden Bears’ potent offense and secure an important victory over a ranked opponent.
The following game saw the Tigers face another tough challenge: Stanford, a team known for its prolific three-point shooting. The Cardinal entered the game ranked third in the nation in three-point shooting, boasting an impressive 40% from beyond the arc. However, the Tigers’ defense once again rose to the occasion, limiting Stanford to just 5-18 shooting from three-point range, well below their season average. This defensive effort was crucial in Clemson’s 65-61 overtime win, which was filled with drama and intensity.
McQueen played the game of her career in the victory over Stanford, scoring a career-high 26 points and adding six assists. Her clutch performances in crucial moments kept Clemson in the game, and her scoring outburst was the difference-maker. She carried the Tigers throughout the contest, showing her scoring ability as well as her court vision to set up teammates in key situations. McQueen’s leadership was vital for Clemson, and her performance helped propel the Tigers to a hard-earned overtime victory.
In total, McQueen had an outstanding week, averaging 22 points, four assists, and three rebounds per game. She shot an impressive 45.2% from the field and was exceptional from the free-throw line, hitting 89% of her attempts (16-18). Her overall performance during the week was instrumental in the Tigers’ victories and solidified her as one of the top performers in college basketball during that stretch.
The Tigers’ defense was equally impressive, as they limited two of the best three-point shooting teams in the nation to a combined 9-38 shooting from beyond the arc, which equates to just 23.6%. This was a remarkable achievement for Clemson’s defense, and it was a key factor in both victories. By containing the outside shooting of both California and Stanford, the Tigers forced these high-scoring teams to rely on other aspects of their offense, ultimately limiting their effectiveness and securing crucial wins for Clemson.
With the victories over California and Stanford, Clemson has gained momentum as it continues its home stand at Littlejohn Coliseum. The Tigers’ defense, combined with the strong play of McQueen and Moore, has shown that they can compete with some of the best teams in the nation. As the season progresses, these wins could serve as a springboard for even greater success for Clemson as they strive for a strong finish to the regular season.
Looking ahead, Clemson is set to continue its home stand with two important games this week. On Thursday, the Tigers will face ACC opponent Virginia at 7:00 p.m., an opportunity to further solidify their standing in the conference. Then, on Sunday, they will host No. 3 Notre Dame at 2:00 p.m. in what promises to be a highly anticipated matchup. These upcoming games provide another chance for the Tigers to prove themselves against some of the best competition in the nation.
Overall, the Clemson women’s basketball team has shown tremendous growth and resilience in recent games, and their recognition as the USBWA Team of the Week is a testament to their hard work and determination. With a strong defense, standout individual performances, and a never-give-up attitude, the Tigers are proving that they can compete with the best. The rest of the season promises to be exciting for Clemson as they look to build on their recent success and continue to make noise in the ACC and on the national stage.
