The Clemson women’s basketball team returned to action after the holiday break with a splash by upsetting No. 7/6 Virginia Tech, 64-59, on Thursday evening inside Littlejohn Coliseum. The Tigers’ win marks the highest-ranked win since December 9, 2000 (#9 Auburn, 71-61).
Four Tigers finished in double-figures led by senior Amari Robinson with 16. Ruby Whitehorn (13), Daisha Bradford (12) and Hannah Hank (10) also clocked double-digits, and Eno Inyang added seven coming off the bench to clinch the upset for Clemson.
Clemson jumped out to an early 10-point lead at the end of the first quarter after a 24-6 run with 16 points in the paint, including six second-chance points and eight off turnovers. The Tigers outscored the Hokies 12-10 in the second quarter to stretch their lead to 38-26 heading into halftime.
Clemson pushed the lead to 15 points in the first two minutes of the third after Robinson pulled down an offensive rebound, and Whitehorn made an easy jumper. The Hokies chipped away at Clemson’s lead, but crucial free throws from Bradford and Inyang helped Clemson hold an eight-point lead heading into the final quarter.
Virginia Tech pulled within two points in the fourth after Cayla King made back-to-back three pointers, but Robinson sank a jumper at the free throw line to swing things back in Clemson’s favor. The Hokies cut Clemson’s lead to one point with four minutes left to play but again, Inyang, Bradford and Whitehorn made important free throws down the line for the Tigers to clinch the upset.
