Sunday afternoon at Littlejohn Coliseum saw the Syracuse Orange women’s basketball team (8-12, 2-7 ACC) pull off a dramatic 67-55 victory over the Clemson Tigers (11-10, 4-6 ACC). A dominant 25-8 fourth-quarter surge sealed the deal, snapping the Orange’s three-game losing streak and earning their first road win in ACC play this season.
Hannah Kohn: Clemson’s Sharpshooting Threat
The Tigers leaned heavily on Hannah Kohn’s deadly three-point shooting throughout the game. Kohn drained four triples, including two late in the first quarter that gave Clemson a crucial early edge. Her accuracy from beyond the arc made her a constant threat, stretching Syracuse’s defense and opening opportunities for teammates. However, when Kohn cooled off in the fourth quarter, Clemson struggled to find alternative scoring options.
Loyal McQueen: Clemson’s Driving Force
Each time Syracuse found the basket, Clemson handed the reins to its star guard Loyal McQueen, who repeatedly drove into the paint with aggression. McQueen’s relentless attacking style kept the Tigers in the game, especially during a key 10-4 run in the third quarter. She showcased her playmaking abilities, feeding Tessa Miller for layups and keeping Syracuse’s defense on its heels. McQueen finished with 14 points but fell short of carrying Clemson to victory.
Madeline Potts Steps Up for Syracuse
Syracuse freshman Madeline Potts, making her first career start, proved to be the X-factor. Potts notched a career-high 13 points, including a critical five-point burst early in the fourth quarter that helped the Orange regain momentum. Paired with Georgia Woolley, who returned to the court after starting on the bench, Potts’ clutch performance energized Syracuse when it mattered most.
Coach Sean Poppie and the Tigers’ Fourth-Quarter Collapse
Clemson head coach Sean Poppie had his team well-prepared for the first three quarters, with defensive adjustments and three-point shooting keeping the Tigers in contention. However, the final quarter was a different story. Syracuse’s aggressive defense stifled Clemson’s shooters, forcing turnovers and missed shots. Poppie’s frustration was evident as the Tigers failed to execute down the stretch, with only eight points in the fourth quarter.
Syracuse’s Defensive Lockdown
Syracuse head coach Felisha Legette-Jack praised her team’s resilience, particularly on defense. The Orange forced seven turnovers in the final frame while shutting down Clemson’s perimeter game. Izabel Varejão, who contributed 10 points, played a vital role in anchoring the defense and sparking Syracuse’s transition game.
The win gives Syracuse momentum heading into the latter half of the season, while Clemson will need to regroup after a missed opportunity at home. The Tigers’ next challenge will be finding consistent production beyond their star players as they fight to stay competitive in the ACC standings.
