CLEMSON, S.C. — In a thrilling matchup, sophomore Reniya Kelly delivered a crucial jumper with just 42 seconds remaining, leading No. 13 North Carolina to a narrow 53-51 victory over Clemson on Sunday. This win keeps the Tar Heels unbeaten on the road this season.
The game saw a strong performance from Hannah Kohn, who made three consecutive free throws after being fouled from beyond the arc, allowing Madi Ott to follow up with a 3-pointer and briefly put the Tigers ahead at 51-49 with 2:14 left on the clock. Before Kelly’s decisive shot, Maria Gakdeng scored to tie the game with two minutes to play after her layup.
Kelly finished the game with 17 points, hitting 6 of her 14 shots, including two 3-pointers. The Tar Heels now hold a record of 21-4 overall and 9-3 in the Atlantic Coast Conference, boasting a perfect 6-0 in SEC road games and remaining one of three undefeated teams away from home nationwide.
Gakdeng contributed with 12 points and nine rebounds, while Alyssa Ustby added eight points and grabbed 13 rebounds. Grace Townsend was pivotal in the fourth quarter, scoring all of her eight points, which accounted for half of her team’s scoring during that period.
For Clemson (11-13, 4-9), Loyal McQueen led the scoring with 17 points, but the team has struggled recently, losing four consecutive games and eight of their last nine. Kohn added 12 points and Maddi Cluse contributed 10 points as well.
The Tigers began strong, finishing the first quarter with a 15-12 lead, thanks to two 3-pointers from Kohn and Cluse. After a long scoring drought stretching nearly six minutes, Kelly ended the slump with a 3-pointer, tying the game at 19. McQueen then scored two quick baskets, pushing Clemson’s lead to five until Kelly’s late jumper brought North Carolina within three points at halftime, trailing 25-22.
The victory marked North Carolina’s ninth consecutive win over Clemson. Looking ahead, North Carolina is set to host Virginia Tech on Thursday, while Clemson prepares to face off against No. 17 Georgia Tech at home.
