Amber Aniston • January 2, 2025

Clemson Tops No. 20 California 69-58 in Statement ACC Victory

The Clemson Tigers made a resounding statement Thursday night with a decisive 69-58 victory over the No. 20 California Golden Bears at Littlejohn Coliseum. Powered by Loyal McQueen’s 18 points and a dominant third-quarter performance, Clemson improved to 9-5 overall and 2-1 in ACC play, securing their first ranked win of the season.


A Tight First Half

The first half saw both teams locked in a competitive battle. Clemson’s Loyal McQueen showcased her scoring prowess early, notching 14 points before halftime. Her buzzer-beating layup at the end of the second quarter gave the Tigers a narrow 36-35 lead heading into the break.


California relied on Ioanna Krimili, who scored 13 of her team-high 18 points in the first half. Despite struggling from beyond the arc, the Golden Bears capitalized on their inside presence, with Ugonne Onyiah contributing six points and five rebounds before the half.


Turnovers played a significant role in the opening 20 minutes. Clemson’s aggressive defense forced eight turnovers, converting them into 12 points. Meanwhile, the Tigers only committed five turnovers, limiting California’s chances to capitalize.


Clemson’s Third-Quarter Surge

The Tigers exploded in the third quarter, outscoring the Golden Bears 25-11. McQueen and Mia Moore led the charge, combining for 15 points during the period. Moore’s back-to-back-to-back baskets highlighted a 12-0 run that pushed Clemson’s lead to 61-46 by the end of the quarter.


Clemson’s defensive intensity also ramped up, holding California to just 4-of-13 shooting while forcing five turnovers. Anya Poole played a pivotal role, grabbing four rebounds and adding a key block to stifle the Golden Bears’ attempts to close the gap.


Late Push by California

The Golden Bears opened the fourth quarter with a 7-0 run, trimming Clemson’s lead to 61-53. Onyiah’s presence in the paint, combined with Marta Suarez’s sharp mid-range shooting, gave California hope of a comeback.


However, the Tigers maintained their composure, relying on timely baskets from Tessa Miller and Raven Thompson. Clemson’s ability to control the tempo and limit turnovers in the final minutes ensured that California never got closer than 10 points.


Key Performances

Loyal McQueen was the star of the night, scoring 18 points on 7-of-18 shooting while going a perfect 4-for-4 from the free-throw line. Her leadership and ability to deliver in critical moments were instrumental in Clemson’s victory.


Mia Moore added 14 points, including seven during the decisive third quarter. Tessa Miller and Raven Thompson provided crucial support, scoring 11 and 10 points, respectively, with Thompson contributing key defensive stops off the bench.


For California, Ioanna Krimili led the way with 18 points. Ugonne Onyiah recorded her third double-double of the season, finishing with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Marta Suarez added 12 points but struggled to find consistency against Clemson’s stifling defense.


Defensive Dominance

Clemson’s defense was the defining factor in their victory. The Tigers held the Golden Bears to just 20% shooting from beyond the arc, a stark contrast to California’s top-10 national ranking in three-point percentage entering the game.


The Tigers also forced 15 turnovers, converting them into 23 points. Their ability to disrupt California’s offensive rhythm, particularly in the second half, proved decisive.


Historical Significance

This win marked Clemson’s first victory over a ranked opponent under head coach Shawn Poppie and their highest-ranked win since defeating No. 7 Virginia Tech in December 2022. The game also ended California’s seven-game winning streak, highlighting the Tigers’ potential to compete at a high level in the ACC.


Looking Ahead

Clemson will look to build on this momentum as they prepare to host Stanford on Sunday. With McQueen and Moore leading the way, the Tigers aim to continue their strong start to conference play.


California, now 13-2 overall and 1-1 in the ACC, will regroup as they travel to face SMU. The Golden Bears will seek to address their turnover issues and find ways to reignite their three-point shooting as they aim to bounce back from the loss.


A Pivotal Victory

Clemson’s 69-58 win over No. 20 California underscored their growth as a team and their ability to execute under pressure. With strong performances across the board, the Tigers proved they are a team to watch in the ACC. For California, the game served as a reminder of the challenges of conference play and the adjustments needed to maintain their success.

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