Clemson Women Have Heart Broken in NCAA Tournament Loss
By: Jason Priester March 21, 2026

Clemson’s first NCAA Tournament appearance under head coach Shawn Poppie ended in heartbreak Saturday at the Colonial Life Arena.

With the Tigers up three in overtime, Jazzy Davidson knocked down back-to-back three-pointers, the second with just over a minute left, to spur No. 9 seed Southern Cal to a 71-67 win over No. 8 Clemson Saturday in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in Columbia, S.C.

Clemson (21-12) missed five of its final six field goals in the overtime period. Davidson finished with 31 points, six rebounds and five assists to lead the Trojans.

Taylor Johnson-Matthews paced the Tigers with 16 points, with 11 of those coming after halftime. Raven Thompson had a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds, while Demeara Hinds added 10 points and Morgan Lee had 12.

Clemson guard Mia Moore (12) shoots over USC Trojans guard Kara Dunn (25) in the second half at Colonial Life Arena on March 21, 2026 in Columbia S.C. (Jeff Blake-Imagn Images)

Clemson had a shot to win it in regulation as Mia Moore hit a three-point heave as time was expiring. While there was definitely some contact on the shot, officials ruled Moore’s shot and the foul came after time expired, according to what officials reported to the Clemson Athletic Network before overtime. The explanation was the game-clock operator started the clock late, after the final play in regulation began.

HOW THE GAME WAS DECIDED

After a back and forth game that saw 17 lead changes during regulation and 11 during the fourth quarter, Moore had what looked to be a buzzer-beater and-one three, but both the basket and the foul were waved off after review, sending the game to overtime. In the extra period, the Tigers jumped out to a three-point lead, but three pointers on back-to-back possessions gave the Trojans a 67-64 lead that they would ride to a 71-67 final score.

NOTABLE NUMBERS

  • Clemson is now 7-3 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
  • Clemson is 0-1 in the NCAA Tournament as an 8-seed.
  • The Tigers fell to 0-2 all-time in overtime games in the NCAA Tournament.
  • Clemson finished the season 2-1 in overtime. 
  • The Tigers finished the season 14-3 when donning the white jerseys. 
  • Lee recorded a season-high, 12 points. 
  • Thompson (11 points, 12 rebounds) scored double figures for the 11th time this season while also notching her second double-double of the season. 
  • Johnson-Matthews (16 points) scored in double digits for the 17th time this season. 
  • Hinds (10 points) recorded double-digit points for the 14th time this season. 

—Clemson Athletic Communications contributed to this story