CLEMSON, S.C. – The Wofford women's basketball team left it all on the court inside Littlejohn Coliseum Thursday night, battling back to take a lead in the second quarter. But despite the Terriers' best efforts, Clemson pulled back ahead, and Wofford was not able to overcome the gap a second time, falling 79-68 to the Tigers. Wofford drops to 0-2 with the result.
 
"I'm really proud of our effort tonight," said head coach Jimmy Garrity. "To come into an ACC arena and pretty much go toe-to-toe with them just makes me really excited for our players. We are disappointed that we lost, but for the most part, we played really good basketball. We had about two three-minute stretches where we let one turnover lead to more. Obviously giving up live-ball turnovers, giving up some easy baskets for them – when you look at that at the end of the game, that's kind of the difference."
 
Wofford shot 39.7 percent on the night and 38.2 percent from three-point range, falling short to Clemson in both marks as the Tigers shot 44.6 percent and 41.2 percent from distance. The free throw line was a difference maker, as the Terriers converted only half of their foul shots with the Tigers putting home 87.5 percent. Wofford shot over 40 percent in each of the final three quarters, including 50 percent in the third. But a 27.8 percent effort in the first dug a hole for Wofford early.
 
A defensive battle, Clemson committed 19 turnovers with Wofford committing 15, but both teams capitalized evenly with 16 points off turnovers apiece. The rebounding battle was key, with Clemson winning the boards 45-33.
 
"I thought we did a really good job on the boards in the first half; we held them to four offensive boards," said Garrity. "But in the second half we gave up nine. Along with that, we gave up some second chance points. But for the most part we did a pretty good job of handling the ball with the exception of those couple of minutes where we didn't take very good care of it with the press."
 
Jackie Carman led Wofford's efforts as one of four double-digit scorers. However, she was the only Terrier with a 20-ball, posting 20 points with three assists. She also secured seven rebounds, tying with Helen Matthews for the team lead.
 
Rachael Rose and Annabelle Schultz each posted 14 points. Rose dished six assists to pace the team and notched three boards. Schultz put home five total field goals, four of which were beyond the arc. She added two rebounds. Lilly Hatton was the fourth and final scorer in double figures with 11. She pulled down five rebounds as well while also recording a block, the 100^th of her career.
 
Sydnee Richetto added six points and a board, and Matthews contributed three points alongside her seven rebounds. She also dished four assists.
 
Clemson scored first with a three-pointer, but Jackie Carman responded with one of her own to tie the game. The squads combined to score five three-balls in a row to open the contest, with Annabelle Schultz putting home the final one for a 6-9 Wofford deficit. But Clemson would hit a groove and secure an early 22-12 lead.
 
Needing to respond, Lilly Hatton helped her team do just that with a triple to open the second quarter. She added a jumper before Annabelle Schultz popped another three to draw Wofford within two (22-20) after an eight-point run in the frame's opening two minutes. The sides traded blows before Schultz converted from distance yet again to bring Wofford within one. Hatton then followed with her own trey to give the Terriers their first lead of the contest and season, 31-29, with 3:40 remaining. The Tigers tied the contest, but Helen Matthews put Wofford back in front with a free throw. Clemson moved back in front with a minute and a half to go with a fastbreak jumper, and the Tigers held on for a five-point lead (38-33) at the half.
 
Wofford came out of the break with authority, immediately hitting a triple by way of Annabelle Schultz once again. Helen Matthews then evened the contest again with a layup. A pair of Clemson free throws swung the pendulum again, and Rachael Rose tied the game again with a  layup. But a Clemson three put the Tigers ahead once more. The squads kept jostling for position, but Clemson gained an edge by converting back-to-back triples to end the quarter for a 60-49 lead entering the final 10 minutes.
 
The Tigers looked to put the contest away with an opening three-pointer, but Sydnee Richetto converted her own in response to keep Wofford in striking distance. The teams traded blows, but Clemson extended its lead to 15 at the 6:10 mark. That was when Rachael Rose put home a trey, and then Jackie Carman swiped a steal and converted the layup. Sydnee Richetto was sent to the charity stripe not long after, converting both shots. The seven-point swing cut the deficit to eight (62-70) with 4:31 to go. Clemson looked to stifle Wofford's momentum with a three and jumper, but Lilly Hatton popped a trey before a Rose layup, the margin cut back down to eight (75-67) with 2:26 left. But time was not Wofford's friend, and the Terriers were not able to close the gap as the Tigers held on for the 79-68 final margin.
 
"We have a big game coming up against Coastal," said Garrity, setting his sights on the next opponent. "They're a very good team, really athletic. And it's going to take our best effort to come away with a win, but it will be good to be back and play at home for the first time this season at Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium."
 
The Terriers return home on Wednesday, Nov. 16 for a match-up against Coastal Carolina. Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m. for the Terriers' home opener against the Chanticleers.