CLEMSON HOLDS OFF WOMEN’S BASKETBALL IN FINAL SECONDS

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CLEMSON, S.C. – Kelly Gramlich scored the go-ahead 3-pointer with 3:28 remaining in the game and Clemson held off a late rally by Radford to prevail, 41-39, in nonconference women's basketball action Wednesday night from Littlejohn Coliseum.

The Tigers, which beat RU for the second year in a row, even their record at 3-3. Meanwhile, Radford drops to 2-4 heading into Thanksgiving.

"Our kids fought and competed hard tonight," head coach Mike McGuire said. "For the most part, we executed our game plan and had the game at a pace in which we could win. Our kids defended well in our zone all game. Offensively, we struggled to get in a rhythm and knock down shots against their 2-3 zone. We'll evaluate and continue to improve offensively as we have two huge conference road games next week."

Gramlich's fourth trey of the game and a Quinyotta Pettaway free throw pushed Clemson's margin to three (35-32) with 2:41 to go. Breshara Gordon answered on the Highlanders' next possession with a driving layup to pull within 35-34 at the 2:13 mark.

Charmaine Tay and Nikki Dixon extended the Tigers' advantage to 41-36 with six seconds remaining. Needing an answer, Radford quickly inbounded the ball to Gordon who sprinted up the court and was fouled on an attempt from downtown.

Gordon calmly stepped to the line and buried all three chances to set the score at 41-39 with one second showing on the clock. On the inbounds play, Kiera McIvor was able to intercept the pass, but time expired before a shot could be attempted.

Radford's defense frustrated the Tigers into 23 turnovers. However, a cold-shooting night doomed the Highlanders as they finished 15-of-55 (27.3 percent) from the floor. Clemson connected on 16-of-43 (37.2 percent) and established a 41-30 advantage on the glass.

RU received nine points each from Ayana Avery and Gordon. McIvor collected a team-best six rebounds.

Gramlich, who led all scorers with 12 points, drilled three 3-pointers in the first 20 minutes to spark the Tigers to a 19-18 edge at halftime. RU led for nearly the entire opening stanza until Pettaway and Gramlich fueled a 7-2 charge for the hosts over the final six minutes.

The Highlanders open their Big South slate Monday, Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. in Buies Creek, N.C. against Campbell.

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