CLEMSON, S.C. - In a thrilling finish at Littlejohn Stadium, Clemson's Hannah Kohn delivered a buzzer-beater three-pointer with just 3.1 seconds on the clock, sealing a 53-51 victory over No. 9 Duke in ACC women's basketball action.
Duke, boasting a strong 20-7 record and an impressive 15-1 in conference play, was led by a standout performance from who tallied 18 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks. Riley Nelson added to the effort with 10 points, while Taina Mair contributed nine points, six rebounds, and four assists.
The game was a nail-biter until the end. Duke was trailing 48-44 with just 1:25 remaining but managed to claw back with clutch threes from Ashlon Jackson and Nelson, taking a narrow 51-50 lead with only 9.5 seconds left.
However, Clemson's timeout strategy paid off as Kohn hit the decisive three-pointer. Duke had one final chance, but couldn't capitalize.
Game Breakdown
Clemson jumped out to an early 4-0 lead, but Duke responded with a powerful 12-0 run, fueled by Fournier's 10-point surge, including two three-point plays, to take a 12-4 lead. By the end of the first quarter, Duke extended their advantage to 20-8, thanks to Nelson's buzzer-beater jumper.
Defensively, Duke was a fortress, keeping Clemson scoreless for over four minutes in the first quarter, establishing a commanding double-digit lead.
The second quarter saw Duke's offense slow down, managing just four points in the first seven minutes. Clemson capitalized with a 10-0 run, narrowing the gap to 24-23.
Mair broke Duke's scoring drought with a crucial three-pointer, and the Blue Devils closed the half strong, leading 29-23. Fournier shone with 14 points, three blocks, and an all-around impactful first half.
Clemson's defense continued to stifle Duke in the third quarter, but the Blue Devils held their ground defensively, maintaining a two-possession lead. Duke forced five Clemson turnovers early in the third, gradually building a 37-28 lead. By the end of the third, Duke led 39-30, having kept Clemson scoreless for nearly six minutes.
The Tigers roared back in the fourth quarter with a 9-0 run, cutting the deficit to one at 40-39. A crucial corner three from Jordan Wood ended Duke's dry spell, putting them up 43-39.
Clemson grabbed their first lead since the opening minutes with Mia Moore's three-point play at the 3:25 mark of the fourth quarter. Another Clemson three-pointer extended their lead to 47-43, but Duke's Thomas answered with a layup to keep it close.
As the clock ticked down, Clemson went up by four, but Jackson's timely first basket of the game brought Duke within one at 49-48. Duke's defense forced a turnover, giving them a chance to reclaim the lead. Though Jackson's three was off, Nelson's offensive rebound gave Duke another opportunity with 19.4 seconds left.
Clemson's defense held firm, and after converting one of two free throws, they went up 50-48, setting the stage for the dramatic conclusion.
Demeara Hinds led Clemson with 13 points and eight rebounds, anchoring the Tigers' effort.
Looking Ahead
Duke will close out their regular season at home against Florida State on February 26, with the game set for an 8 p.m. tipoff on the ACC Network.